What’s brewing at ITMO? 🔮

As ghosts roam the city and pumpkins glow in the dark, here’s how ITMO’s been making the headlines this week.

🤖 Nikolay Nikitin from ITMO’s Laboratory for Composite AI received the Loyalty to Science Award for ITMO OpenSource, a platform that helps create and share AI tools for research.

🔋 Together with partners from China and Singapore, ITMO scientists have created a “green” membrane that extracts lithium from used batteries with 98% efficiency.

🚌 Meet ConnectPT, ITMO’s new AI-based service that helps optimize public transit routes. It analyzes city data, suggests improvements, and reduces the risk of planning errors!

And now some interesting posts from this week:

💌 October 19 marked the Day of Letter to Your Future Self, and ITMO Library is helping you send yours again! Check this post for details.

🎃 Our campuses are getting spooky! Halloween is here, and the schedule is packed with fun events, contests, and eerie surprises. Click here for the tricks and treats!

#newsdigest

In Russia, we take teatime seriously 🫡☕️🍬

One of the unspoken rules is: never drink it plain. There should always be something sweet to go with the tea. So, what should you bring to a cozy чаепитие (tea session)? Choose from this list of Russia’s most beloved sweets.

#russia

How do stem cells become bone? 🦴

ITMO PhD student Hadi Alhaj is uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind this transformation – and hoping to help shape the future of regenerative medicine.

My research focuses on identifying molecular links that regulate the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from different origins. In simpler terms, I’m studying how these cells turn into bone-forming cells. Understanding these mechanisms could make a real difference in regenerative medicine and lead to more effective therapy for bone-related diseases.

Read more about Hadi’s journey, research, and life in Russia in our latest Student Spotlight 👈

#itmofaces

The biggest musical event of the fall is here 🎸

At the upcoming Lovely Sound Festival by ITMO’s Live Sound music club, the most talented student bands will take the stage to fill the hall with energy, rhythm, and pure emotion. Expect a mix of genres, creative performances, and a cozy atmosphere – just what you need to escape the autumn blues!

🗓 November 9, 5 PM
📍 Lomonosova St. 9, Assembly Hall
📝 Sign-up required; register here

#events

This week at ITMO, it’s all science, music, and cozy coffee spots! 🎶

🔬 ITMO researchers have created a 20-nm chalcogenide film that boosts third harmonic generation efficiency by up to 1,000x.

💡 Physicists at ITMO have modeled how polariton condensates lose energy without losing particles — a leap toward energy-efficient optical chips and next-gen quantum devices.

📍 Tired of the study-home-study loop? Discover the best hangout spots in St. Petersburg to relax, recharge, and find your people.

And now, some feel-good posts from this week:

☕️ We’ve rounded up St. Pete’s coziest coffee shops — from quirky brews to dessert gems. Check them out.

🎸 ITMO’s Live Sound music club presents the biggest student concert of the season: a mix of genres, creativity, and warmth to chase away the autumn chill.

#newsdigest

What does it take to go from a small-town student to a Yandex team lead? 🤔

At ITMO’s IT House Party, graduates shared real stories — from switching from humanities to coding, to surviving a 7-stage interview while still a Bachelor’s student.

Read their inspiring stories here 👈

Last Friday, we held a photoshoot featuring our international students 😎 Here’s how it went.