In this week’s news digest, we’re looking at cutting-edge research, a new Master’s program, and the future of AI 🔥

🌟 ITMO researchers propose a novel power regulator for optical devices, paving the way for advancements in optoelectronic microdevices.

🎨 In collaboration with Yandex Practicum, ITMO has launched an online Master’s program combining AI and graphic design, with flexible schedules and career counseling.

🧠 At ITMO’s PI School, Yandex’s Roman Elizarov, spoke about the real impact of AI on jobs, society, and the future.

🎓 Yesterday marked the opening of ITMO’s admissions office on Kronverksky Pr. 49, with the goal of welcoming prospective students for the new academic year.

Now let’s peek at this week’s best listicles 🤓

🤖 Seven AI tools to boost your efficiency and streamline your daily tasks, revolutionizing your work, studies, and personal life.

🌰 A guide to vegan shops in St. Petersburg, perfect for those who love eating plant-based meals at home or are looking for delicious vegan treats.

#newsdigest

Living in the Vyazma dorm? Lucky you 🏡

One of the most popular dormitories for international students, Vyazemsky Lane 5/7 boasts not only close proximity to the main campus, but also a wide choice of leisure spots in the vicinity.

From the oldest botanical garden in Russia to a former bread factory turned into a cultural space, explore the neighborhood with our recent story 👈

#aboutstpete

This week we’re featuring Mikael Jima, a PhD student in chemical engineering from Ethiopia whose interest in material chemistry was ignited by the works of Soviet scientist Sergey Lebedev.

When asked about his PhD work, he tells us:

I am working on auxetics […] Unlike conventional materials, when you apply force to an auxetic material or stretch it, its length, as well as width, increases. Usually, such materials are 3D-printed, but I am planning on producing them through electrospinning followed by engraving or lithography. Such materials will have a wide range of applications in medical science, like wound healing, tissue regeneration, and prosthetics.

In our interview, we learn more about his research successes, getting to know St. Petersburg, and tips for future PhD students.

Click here to read more 👈

#itmofaces

ITMO summer schedule 🌴

The summer season is coming – here are all the key schedule changes at the university:

🍽 Starting on June 20, the cafeteria on Kronverksky 49 will be closed until the next academic year. You can find dining areas equipped with microwaves in the column hall (third floor, second building).

📘 Starting on June 29, ITMO Library on Lomonosova 9, ITMO.Share, ITMO.Print, and coworking space administrators will follow this schedule:

• Mon - Thu: 10 am – 7 pm
• Fri: 10 am – 6 pm
• Sat - Sun: days off

Cowoking spaces will operate according to regular hours.

🏢 From July 1 to August 25, the ITMO Staff Support Office will be available during specific hours:

• Mon - Fri: 10 am – 6 pm
• Sat - Sun: days off

❗️ You can visit Staff Support Office on Kronverksky Pr. 49, Lomonsova St. 9, Birzhevaya Liniya 14-16, and Grivtsova Lane 14-16. The office’s branch on the Chaykovskogo St. 11/2 will be closed until August 25.

Please take these changes into account when planning your activities around the campuses ❤️

ITMO students win Google’s Image Matching Challenge 🏆

Congratulations to PhD students Jaafar Mahmoud and Ammar Ali on their second win in a row!

Speaking to ITMO.NEWS, Jaafar comments:

We always strive to find time and opportunities to grow our expertise, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see us at Image Matching Challenge again.

Well, we’re looking forward to their future successes! Learn more about their amazing feat here 👈

#itmoinfo

🌤 The weather in St. Petersburg is just perfect for outdoor activities. Here’s what you can do this week:

🛶 Ark
• Jun 27 | 10 AM - 6 PM | 600 RUB

At Annenkirche’s latest exhibition, enjoy immersive installations and contemporary artworks on the theme of Noah’s Ark.

🧘 Outdoor yoga workshop​
• Jun 29 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free

Join a free 2-hour yoga workshop on Yelagin Island and improve flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and body awareness.

📖 Book Alleys
• Jul 01 | 10 AM - 10 PM | Free

Dive into an action-packed program featuring over 10,000 books, including new releases and bestsellers.

🩰 Russian Ballet. Homage to Edgar Degas. Photographs by Yury Molodkovets
• Jul 02 | 11 AM - 8 PM | Free

A captivating collection of 60 photographs that showcase the everyday life of ballet dancers.

Looking for more? Explore our full guide on ITMO.NEWS 👈

#weekends