🔬 ITMO weekly digest: Nobel Prizes 2026 edition

The prizes have found their laureates – and ITMO NEWS has got it covered.

🧪 The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai, whose work sheds light on origins of life as well as opens new horizons for modern pharmaceuticals.

We spoke with Dr Ekaterina Skorb, head of ITMO’s School of Life Sciences and Infochemistry Scientific Center, on the importance of this breakthrough.

🧊 The Nobel Prize in Physics went to Francis Halzen for work connected with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory.

Dmitry Karlovets, a senior researcher at ITMO’s Faculty of Physics, explains the discovery and ITMO’s involvement in this research field

🧬 The Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was presented to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for their work on optogenetics.

Vera Medvedeva, a senior scientist at ITMO, helps explain this field and the significance of their discovery.

And here are other key stories from this week:

☕ Coworking spaces at ITMO

ITMO has more coworking spaces than you might think. Find out where they are, when they’re open, and what benefits they offer.

🍂 Make the most of autumn

Discover beautiful places to explore around ITMO, along with exciting activities to enjoy this fall.

#newsdigest

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🎓 Open Doors Scholarship – registration is ongoing!

Dreaming of studying at ITMO University tuition-free? The Open Doors contest is your chance!

This year, prospective students can apply via one of the following tracks:
📌Bachelor's
📌Master’s
📌PhD

🗓 Important dates

Registration for all tracks is open until November 1.

Bachelor’s track:
1️⃣ First stage – portfolio competition and entrance test: August 20 to November 13, 2026
2️⃣ Second stage – problem-solving challenge: November 13 to December 21, 2026

Master’s track:
1️⃣ First stage – portfolio competition and entrance test: August 20 to November 13, 2026
2️⃣ Second stage – problem-solving challenge: November 13 to December 21, 2026

PhD track:
1️⃣ First stage – portfolio competition and entrance test: August 20 to November 13, 2026
2️⃣ Second stage – problem-solving challenge: November 13 to December 21, 2026
3️⃣ Third stage – interviews with potential supervisors: December 22, 2026 – February 26, 2027

📝 If you participated last year, remember: old accounts have been deleted. You’ll need to create a new one and fill out your portfolio again.

For more information, visit this page.

#opportunities

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Chemistry, computer science, and a love for adventure! 🌍

Meet Mohona Jahan Momy from Bangladesh, a new arrival who is joining ITMO’s Infochemistry program.

Speaking about her journey and decision to join ITMO, Mohona says:

I completed one year [of computer science studies], but I still felt that something was missing. Then, I discovered infochemistry, a field where I could combine my knowledge of computer science with my interests in other subjects. When I returned home, I discovered the scholarship opportunities in Russia, which eventually brought me to ITMO.

📖 Read the full interview

#itmofaces

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Running out of battery at the worst possible moment? 🔋

We’ve all been there! Luckily, ITMO.CHARGE, a free power bank rental service by ITMO Library, has you covered.

What is ITMO.CHARGE?

ITMO.CHARGE allows ITMO students and staff to borrow power banks for free when their phones, headphones, or tablets are running low on charge.

Who can use it?

The service is available to all ITMO students and staff.

How can I borrow a power bank?

Simply ask the librarian or coworking space administrator for a power bank at one of the participating locations.

Where and when can I pick it up?

📍 Lomonosova campus, Library, room 1505
Mon-Sun: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM

📍 Kronverksky campus, Coworking space, room 1302
Mon-Sun: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM

📍 Grivtsova campus, Coworking space, room 323
Mon-Fri: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sat-Sun: days off

Have questions?

Contact ITMO Library at library@itmo.ru for more information.

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That’s a wrap on another work week! Here’s what’s been going on at ITMO:

🔬 The newly-launched Industrial BioTech Engineering Center has received a 300-million-ruble grant from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. The new facility will develop lab findings into pilot-scale productions.

💻 Students of the Bachelor’s program System and Applied Software have presented TuneAI, an AI-powered tool that helps conduct and evaluate tests and interviews.

👩‍🔬 In a Langmuir-published article, ITMO scientists describe an algorithm that helps select bioplastics surfaces for medical implants to promote cell attachment and growth.

And here are some posts you shouldn’t miss:

🧑‍🎓 The Open Doors Scholarship is now accepting applications for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD tracks. Don’t miss the application deadline: November 1!

📸 Become a star of ITMO’s social media: apply to join the upcoming photoshoot, have a great time with fellow students, and get some cool pictures.

#newsdigest

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