Skoltech Global

🦠 Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues from the U.S. and China have discovered how the dangerous bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae (a common cause of severe hospital-acquired pneumonia and meningitis) easily protects itself from drugs. This microbe has its own immune system, known as CRISPR-Cas. In theory, it should destroy any foreign DNA carrying antibiotic-resistant genes. In reality, however, this defense remains completely idle. The scientists proved that special anti-CRISPR proteins are responsible for completely shutting down the bacterium's immune response. Experiments showed that these protective proteins can easily travel between entirely different bacterial species. By suppressing the host's immunity, they help drug-resistance genes establish themselves in diverse cells. At Skoltech, this work is carried out in the Biomed Technologies Center’s Laboratory for Metagenome Analysis The head of the laboratory, Skoltech Assistant Professor Artem Isaev, the study's principal investigator, explained:

“For the first time, we showed anti-CRISPR activity against the well-studied CRISPR-Cas of E. coli, and this prompted us to perform a systematic analysis of the distribution of anti-CRISPR proteins, revealing how easily they can cross the species boundaries. Moreover, plasmids encode entire arrays of such anti-CRISPR proteins, which may lead them to establish themselves in diverse cells.”

🏥 To stop the spread of dangerous superbugs, these findings suggest that medical monitoring should target not just the genes known to confer antibiotic resistance, but these anti-immunity genes as well, since they actively contribute to the spread of infections. Reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study was supported by a Russian Science Foundation grant.

🔧 For the first time, a brass-based composite coating with reinforcing particles has been deposited on a steel part using low-pressure cold spraying. The technology developed by Skoltech researchers — a VEB.RF group institution — is cheaper than currently used alternatives, less harmful to the environment, and can be applied by mobile repair crews when maintaining infrastructure facilities. The results of the study were published in the journal Results in Engineering. There are two main methods for depositing brass coatings: electroplating and cold gas-dynamic spraying (high- or low-pressure). Electroplating requires expensive, bulky equipment and leaves highly toxic waste. High-pressure cold spraying is also equipment-intensive, and the associated heating increases the risk of undesirable effects on the part. Low-pressure cold spraying avoids these drawbacks but, until now, has not been used to deposit brass-based composite coatings due to low homogeneity: some areas of the surface received more copper, while others received more zinc. Skoltech scientists from the Laboratory of Thermal Spray and Functional Coatings at the Materials Center have solved this problem, unlocking the potential of a previously unavailable method.

“What enabled us to produce a homogeneous brass coating was source material preprocessing,” the study’s lead author and Skoltech PhD student from the Institute’s Mathematics and Mechanics program Irina Tumbusova commented. “Normally, the feedstock in the cold spray process would be a mixture of three powders: copper, zinc, and some reinforcing additive, such as alumina. In our case, however, copper and zinc powders were subjected to mechanical alloying before spraying, so the deposited material was a brass alloy to begin with.”

The feedstock preprocessing proposed by the researchers makes all the advantages of low-pressure cold spraying accessible: reduced environmental impact, lower risk of overheating the part and oxidizing the deposited surface, as well as lower cost due to the use of compact equipment, enabling repairs to be carried out by mobile repair crews. These results lay the groundwork for extending the service life of bearings and other metal parts in aviation, marine engineering, railways, drilling rigs, and gas pipelines.

Tomorrow, June 10, Skoltech is hosting an online lecture series delivered entirely in Spanish, organized in partnership with the Russian Houses in Chile and Argentina. Four of our professors and researchers will deliver intensive mini-lectures on the latest trends in science and technology:

🔋 14:05 Santiago / 15:05 Buenos Aires Fast сharging for electric vehicles – Professor Federico Ibanez 🤖 14:30 Santiago / 15:30 Buenos Aires Robotics in the era of AI – Professor Gonzalo Ferrer 👁 14:45 Santiago / 15:55 Buenos Aires Computer Vision – Juan Pablo Rojas Bustos, junior researcher at the Center for Bio- and Medical Technologies 🧬 15:20 Santiago / 16:20 Buenos Aires Genome Editing in Agriculture – Luisa Criollo Delgado, PhD student in the AgroBiotechnologies and Engineering program

👉 Find the detailed program description and registration link here. 🌎 Please share it with your colleagues, researchers, or students in Latin America!

🫀 Meet Alexander Marukhin, the latest feature in our #SkoltechStudent spotlight! With a bachelor’s degree from the Advanced Engineering School "Intelligent Theranostics Systems" at Sechenov University, where he developed computational cardiology packages and worked on mathematical modeling in medicine and biomechanics, Alexander was looking for a master’s program that pushed past traditional boundaries. Today, he is thriving in our Applied Computational Mechanics program. For Alexander, Skoltech was the perfect choice to bridge the gap between theory and modern tech application:

“During my time at the INM RAS (Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics), I realized that modern computational physics and mechanics require an interdisciplinary approach: the ability to work at the intersection of machine learning, software development, and advanced research. Skoltech’s program perfectly combined all of these components.”

Beyond the classroom, Alexander is already turning ideas into reality. He is currently balancing his research with tech entrepreneurship, working on a project that was born right during the "Innovation Workshop" — the intensive bootcamp that kicks off every Skoltech student's journey. Looking ahead, he plans to run two parallel tracks: driving innovation in industrial R&D and continuing his academic research. What keeps him motivated? The unique ecosystem on campus:

“I was amazed by how people here manage to balance intense time management with a wonderfully cozy, almost family-like atmosphere. The campus is designed so that you can work productively in the library, drawing from the shared focus around you, but at the same time, you'll always run into friends to discuss ideas and take a little break.”

  👉 Want to take your studies to the next intersection of tech and science? Click here to learn more about Skoltech's master’s program in Applied Computational Mechanics.

🥛 "Food for the mind": Fatty acids in breast milk are perfectly tailored to support the brain Skoltech researchers and their colleagues have discovered that the sets of fatty acids found in breast milk and in the brains of newborns are interconnected and unique to different species of mammals. The research, which was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), was published in the journal Communications Biology. The infant brain grows rapidly, increasing from 25% to 70% of its adult size during the first year of life. Fatty acids — the primary building blocks of new cells — make up the membranes of neurons and help them transmit signals properly. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are found in breast milk, have been considered particularly valuable. Until now, it has been unclear whether differences in milk composition between human and cow's milk are significant. The scientists analyzed the chemical compositions of 837 breast milk samples and 194 brain tissue samples from human infants and the offspring of chimpanzees, macaques, pigs, goats, cows, and yaks. They identified 81 types of fatty acids in the milk and 33 in the brain tissue. Their composition and ratios were correlated within species but differed between species, meaning that the chemical composition of milk has evolved to suit the needs of each specific brain. The most distinct correlation was found with the prefrontal cortex — the area responsible for complex thinking, planning, and social behavior. In humans, chimpanzees, and macaques, a strong correspondence between milk and the brain was observed regarding ultra-long-chain fatty acids. Notably, the strongest correlation was unique to humans.

"Our research highlights the importance of enhancing cow- and goat-milk-based infant formulas to better resemble human milk, especially with respect to ultra-long-chain fatty acids, which are plentiful in the developing infant brain. In a recent study conducted as part of this project, we identified a link between abnormalities in the fatty acid composition of neuronal membranes in the adult brain and depression. This finding further underscores the critical role of fatty acids in brain function," explained Professor Philipp Khaitovich, who leads this project supported by an RSF grant and heads the Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience at Skoltech.

The results lay the groundwork for the development of: 🍼 Infant formulas that closely match the composition of human breast milk; 🧠 Nutraceuticals to support cognitive health at any age; 📊 Diagnostic approaches related to fatty acid deficiencies in neurological disorders. The photo shows brain samples against the background of a freezer where they are stored. Credit: Alexandra Mitina / personal archive. Skoltech is part of the VEB.RF group.

🧊 ➡️ 🌸 We tried calculating the exact thermodynamic transition point of our campus, but it turns out a 30-second timelapse does it better justice.

🌐✨ Global talent, frontier science, and the chemistry of trust: Skoltech wraps up SPIEF-2026 As debates unfold on the floor of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026), Skoltech President, Academician of the RAS Yulia Gorbunova, alongside our leading international faculty, charted a bold vision for the future of global technology, education, and innovation. Across dozens of high-level panels with industrial giants and state development institutions like VEB.RF, the message from Skoltech was crystal clear: True technological leadership is built on open intellectual exchange, cross-border talent pipelines, and human-centric innovations alongside deep-tech solutions for heavy industry. Here are the top three overarching themes from Yulia Gorbunova at SPIEF-2026: 1️⃣ The era of rigid, transactional relationships between academia and industry is over. True innovation requires an ecosystem where universities and businesses act as equal partners.

"A successful partnership requires three key elements: the right elements (highly motivated talent), a catalyst (absolute trust), and a vessel (cutting-edge infrastructure and community). When these align, we stop being mere order-fulfillers and start creating systemic technology trends."

2️⃣ In an era where technologies shift daily, universities cannot train students for a fixed, predictable future. The old, rigid academic boundaries are rapidly dissolving.

"For 30 years, freshmen have told me: 'We want to invent new medicines to save humanity.' But today, we must prepare students not for a static, predictable future, but for uncertainty. Nobody knows exactly what tomorrow looks like, because these very students will be the ones actively building it. We must teach them how to learn continuously, adapt instantly, and thrive in cross-functional teams."

3️⃣ Addressing widespread anxieties about AI replacing human labor or rendering scientists obsolete, Yulia Gorbunova offered a grounded perspective. AI is an unstoppable evolution, much like changing seasons, but its purpose is empowerment.

"Just as the rise of computers in the 90s didn’t eliminate paper but entirely transformed how we handle data, AI will not destroy jobs — it will birth entirely new professions, expand our worldview, and demand a new caliber of specialists. We cannot reject AI any more than we can reject the arrival of summer."

🌍 A global beacon for STEM+ talent Skoltech’s unique edge remains its deeply international, English-speaking academic environment that actively bridges global research networks. Our faculty took the stage at SPIEF-2026 to highlight why open science is the only path forward: Speaking on the talent economy, Professor Pavlos Lagoudakis, Skoltech Provost, emphasized that isolated knowledge is terminal.

"Knowledge must travel; intellectual exchange must remain global. If a system is isolated, it dies. True progress happens exclusively at the intersection of different cultures and scientific schools."

Sharing his 20-year global expertise, Professor Federico Ibañez from the Energy Center, showcased Skoltech's market-ready green innovations, such as hybrid power systems for public transit and autonomous solar-powered smart charging hubs. He noted that Skoltech’s unique international profile and patented green tech make it highly capable of driving meaningful knowledge and technology transfer across the BRICS+ landscape. Professor Henni Ouerdane from the Engineering Center demonstrated how Skoltech integrates immersive Virtual Reality (VR) into 30% of its STEM disciplines, allowing global students to interact with highly sophisticated, expensive equipment prototypes seamlessly. 🚀 For global researchers, engineers, and innovators looking to push the boundaries of modern science the laboratory doors at Skoltech are always open to challenge the unknown together.

📢 On June 10, Skoltech, in collaboration with Casa de Rusia en Chile and Argentina, will host online lectures designed specifically for Spanish-speaking students and young scientists! The program features four intensive mini-lectures in Spanish highlighting cutting-edge projects straight from our laboratories (schedule shown in GMT-4 time):

14:05 | Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers: Professor Federico Martín Ibáñez will discuss next-generation power converters, local generation, and energy storage. 14:30 | Robotics in the New Era of AI: Professor Gonzalo Ferrer will break down how artificial intelligence is transforming the perception and autonomy of modern robots. 14:55 | Applications of Computer Vision Ranging from Laboratory Sample Images to Satellite Crop Images: Juan Pablo Rojas Bustos, junior researcher at the Center for Bio- and Medical Technologies, will demonstrate how AI technologies scale from analyzing laboratory samples to satellite crop monitoring. 15:20 | Driving Sustainable Agriculture Through Genome Editing Technologies: Luisa Criollo Delgado, a PhD student in the Life Sciences program, will explain how genome editing technologies help protect the planet and ensure food security.

⁉️ Each lecture will be followed by a live Q&A session with the speakers. At the very end of the event, the Skoltech representative will share insights on how to apply for our programs, secure full funding, and move to Moscow. 🔗 Learn more about the event and register here Please feel free to share this announcement with colleagues and friends across Latin America!

🌊 From the Pacific coast to Moscow: meet Andrey Pilnik, our latest #SkoltechStudent feature! Andrey’s journey into cutting-edge science took him all the way from Russky Island in Vladivostok, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular biotechnology at Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), straight to Skoltech. Today, Andrey is pursuing his master’s degree in life sciences, focusing his research on the field of biophotonics.

"I’ve always been drawn to interdisciplinary work," Andrey shares. "Skoltech attracted me as a hub where top-tier scientists from completely different fields come together. Plus, the fully English-speaking environment was a huge factor."

At Skoltech, Andrey is working on developing artificial phantom tissues. Put simply, his research aims to help doctors diagnose diseases without a single needle or incision by training lasers to "listen" to how human tissue responds to light and sound. Andrey is focused on an academic career track. After completing his master’s, he plans to pursue a PhD and find his niche in the evolving world of biophotonics. With the admissions season in full swing, Andrey has an encouraging message for everyone currently preparing their applications or stressing over interviews:

"Feeling nervous is completely normal, it just shows that you care. Try to shift your focus from fear to what you can truly show: your genuine motivation and interest in science. The admissions committee is looking for real, passionate people, not just flawless resumes."

📸 The photo captures Andrey in action during the Innovation Workshop — the intensive onboarding course that introduces every new Skoltech student to entrepreneurship and teamwork. ✨ Ready to start your own journey in biotech? Discover our life sciences master’s program.

🚀 Skoltech has officially opened applications for its inaugural contract manufacturing run of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on a silicon-on-insulator platform. This milestone was announced by Skoltech President, RAS Academician Yulia Gorbunova at the Microelectronic Systems 2026 (MES) conference. This initiative introduces the Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) format to the domestic market. By fabricating designs from multiple customers simultaneously on a single wafer, Skoltech is lowering the financial barrier to entry for silicon photonics.

"Skoltech’s technological roadmap foresees the development of high-speed modulators with bandwidths of 20–30 GHz and beyond, which is critical for PICs for 400G/800G transceivers and next-generation products," says Alexey Denisov, Vice President for Research Infrastructure at Skoltech

💡 How to participate Whether you are a fabless startup, a research lab, or an R&D center for optoelectronic equipment, this is your fast track from concept to working silicon without the overhead of your own production line. 📅 Application deadline: September 30, 2026 📦 Estimated delivery of the first batch: Q1 2027 📧 To apply directly, submit a free-form inquiry to photonicMPW@skoltech.ru 🔍 Read more on how to take your design from concept to silicon.

⏰ Attention! At 23:59, we are closing the application submission for the competitive selection to Skoltech Master's programs within the second wave. Double-check that you have filled out everything correctly, submit your application, and get ready for the test 📝

💥 One day left until the deadline of the second wave for Skoltech Master's programs! It's time to finalize your application and send it to us. See you at the competitive selection for Skoltech Master's programs!

🕐 Reminder: only 2 days remain until the end of the application period for Skoltech Master's programs within the second wave. Submit your application for the competitive selection to Skoltech Master's programs.

🤫 Shhh... Interviews are underway. Today is the final day of the first wave of PhD admissions. Prospective PhD students are taking tests and having interviews. Fingers crossed for all participants!

❗️ 3 days left until the deadline for submitting applications to Skoltech Master's programs within the second wave. The whole weekend is ahead — you have enough time to review or create your application. Documents must be submitted by 23:59 on June 1. Good luck! 🍀

⭐️ The final stage of the first admission wave to the PhD program is ongoing! Prospective PhD students will have interviews with professors from the PhD programs and English language. Good luck to all participants! 🍀

⚛️ An international team of researchers, including scientists from Skoltech, has developed a method to create one-dimensional quantum wires inside structures that are just three atoms thick. 🔬 Scientists took two ultra-thin materials (molybdenum diselenide and tungsten diselenide) and stacked them at a slight angle, creating a regular atomic pattern. They stretched the structure on a special substrate by just a tiny fraction. This subtle stretch rearranged the pattern from 2D into 1D, forming long parallel channels only 3 to 15 nanometers wide. Inside these narrow channels, electron-hole pairs (excitons) get trapped, causing the material to emit linearly polarized light.

Anvar Baimuratov, lead of the study's theoretical part and Assosiate Professor at the Skoltech Engineering Physics Center: "We have shown that stretching makes it possible to switch the structure from a two-dimensional configuration to a one-dimensional one. <...> Such a degree of control is essential for creating quantum devices with directional and tunable emission."

The groundbreaking results, published in the Physical Review Letters, pave the way for: 📱 Next-gen flexible smartphones and smart clothing; 🛰 Quantum sensors responding to the slightest bend or pressure; 💻 Advanced components for quantum computing and ultra-fast optoelectronics.