Science or sci-fi? Let’s find out 🤔

Project Hail Mary has everyone talking, but how much of it is actually real? We spoke with ITMO physicist Stanislav Baturin to break down the science behind the movie, from space research and mysterious cosmic signals to the idea of sending scientists on solo missions.

👽 How realistic are alien microbes?
🔭 How would we study unknown space phenomena?
🚀 And could a researcher actually survive out there alone?

Find out in our full interview ⭐️️

#science

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Bringing a bit of Peru to St. Petersburg 🇵🇪

Meet Alexander Nuñez, a Bachelor’s student in business informatics who’s building a lively community alongside his studies.

I really enjoy organizing events and creating spaces where people can connect […] I created my own community projects […] and run La Vida Loca SPB, where I bring people together to share language, culture, and experiences.

⚡️ Read his story and get inspired

#itmofaces

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The May holiday schedule is here! 🏝

🥲 The university will be closed at the following times:

April 30, 10 PM – May 2, 7 AM
May 2, 10 PM – May 4, 7 AM
May 8, 10 PM – May 11, 7 AM

📕 Library and coworking spaces:

The library and its services will be unavailable on May 1-3 and May 9-11.

Coworking spaces will operate according to the university’s business hours.

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Good news: the May holidays are coming soon!

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The weekend promises good weather! 🐸

Make the most of the short holidays with our posts and articles:

🍪 Treat yourself

5 Food Markets of St. Petersburg
Top Breakfast Spots in St. Petersburg
Unexpected Food Locations in St. Petersburg
5 Soviet-Style Cafes in St. Petersburg
Spicy Food Guide to St. Petersburg

🖼️ Get lost in a museum

Historic House Museums in St. Petersburg
4 Contemporary Art Spaces to Visit in St. Petersburg
5 Exhibits To See in the Hermitage Museum
5 Paintings To See in Hermitage’s General Staff Building
5 Paintings To See in the Russian Museum
5 Easter Eggs to Find at Grand Maket Russia

🧋 Go for a walk

Steps Away: Places to Explore Near ITMO’s Vyazemsky Dorm
Steps Away: Places to Explore Near ITMO’s Lensoveta Dorm
Unexplored St. Petersburg: Kolomna
Unexplored St. Petersburg: Peski
Unexplored St. Petersburg: Vasilyevsky Island

🌷 Escape the city

The 9 Towns of St. Petersburg
Best Getaways From St. Petersburg on a Budget
Eco-Paths In and Around St. Petersburg

🏠 Stay-at-home watches

6 Modern Russian TV Series to Watch
4 Russian Sci-Fi Film Classics You Should See
Russian Music Movies With Best Soundtracks
More Modern Russian TV Shows to Watch

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Fresh updates from ITMO! Here’s what’s been happening this week:

🏆 ITMO has received the League of Universities Award from Gazprom Neft for implementing digital tools in natural sciences education, including AI platforms, digital labs, and simulation environments.

🎓 The forum “It’s Your Call!” brought finalists of the I Am a Professional contest from 20 Russian regions to ITMO for expert lectures, industrial casework, and company visits, with top participants earning exam-free admission opportunities.

And here’s news you shouldn’t miss this week 👇

🤔 Science or sci-fi? Let’s find out. ITMO physicist Stanislav Baturin breaks down Project Hail Mary, from alien microbes to space missions and real astrophysics behind the film.

📢 The May holiday schedule is here. Check the calendar to plan your break in advance.

#newsdigest

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Why should you always keep some jars around? What can you repurpose milk cartons into? How can old car tires brighten up your yard? 🦢

Russians followed the 3R principle before it was cool. On May 1, for Spring and Labor Day in Russia, read our story to discover tried-and-true eco-friendly habits that you might notice in everyday life here.


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We wish you a good week! How did you spend your extra day off?

😎 – in picnic mode
👨‍💻 – studymaxxing
⚡ – made time for both

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Ever tried describing a sunset in Russian? 🌇

Did you know that the Russian language has not one, but two blue colors? Understanding how a language “sees” colors can transform your everyday conversations – from knowing the right idioms to catching cultural references.

Read the full article on ITMO.NEWS✨

#russia

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Want to get into ITMO’s PhD program on a tuition‑free basis? 🎓

The secret? Start before you even apply.

Become a PhD intern – work on real research projects with university partners or the Ministry of Science, earn extra points for your application, and begin your academic career early.

Our step‑by‑step guide shows you exactly how to join the internship program, plus firsthand tips from someone who did it.

⚡️ Read the full article here

#opportunities

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A cheer for our athletes as they try for the national champion title! 🏀

For the first time, our women’s basketball team has made it to the ASB Superfinal, the decisive stage of Russia’s main student tournament. In the semifinal, they’re facing team GUTID.

Expect lots of excitement, a fan zone with fun activities, a food court with delicious bites, and even a giveaway from our club!

📅 May 9, 12:30 PM

📍 Yubileyny Sports Complex, Dobrolyubova Av. 18 (metro station Sportivnaya)

🎫 Click here for tickets

#events

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