‘Administrators Must Create a Real University that Works for Each and Every Student’

© HSE University

Nikita Anisimov was appointed Rector of HSE University two years ago. In his interview with Ernest Mackevičius, Director of the HSE University Institute of Media, journalist, and television presenter, the HSE rector talks about how he came to the university, its achievements and development plans, and how to tell the difference between AI-produced and human texts.

Nikita Anisimov recalls that when he was introduced as rector in the hall of the HSE University Academic Council, the sun was shining. In that moment, he ‘tried not to think, but to feel.’ He sees his task as rector as follows: ‘Administrators must create a real university that works for each and every student individually and for the whole collective.’ He added that top specialists are working at the university today. ‘When I became rector of HSE University, I already had a strong team,’ he explains. ‘And in the last two years, it has become even stronger.’

Nikita Anisimov

Ernest Mackevičius asked what Nikita Anisimov thinks about the future of universities in relation to automation and the development of AI—will people still have a need and opportunities to obtain new knowledge? Nikita Anisimov believes that universities provide not only education, but also self-development. This is important to everyone, and something which AI cannot replace. ‘The university brings young people together and prepares them for the reality of the future. That is why they relish the opportunity to study at HSE University,’ believes the rector.

Addressing HSE University applicants and students, the rector said: ‘In all honesty, it does not matter what your diploma says—whether it is a bachelor’s, specialist, or master’s degree. The main thing is that you get degrees from Russian universities and work in our country. And if you study at HSE University, then we will ensure the quality of your education.’

Ernest Mackevičius

The rector was also asked to read two mini-reports and try to identify which was written by a human and which was written by an AI. Nikita Anisimov correctly identified the AI-written work, noting errors in the text. He also highlighted the role of HSE University as one of Russia’s leading centres of R&D in the field of AI.

The topic of upcoming plans for the university’s development was also discussed. Preparations are currently underway in St Petersburg for the opening of a new HSE University building in 2024, said Nikita Anisimov. This is a significant event, as HSE is one of the biggest universities in St Petersburg. In the future, the city’s campus will be able to welcome 12,000–15,000 students.

The new HSE University building in St Petersburg

@ HSE University

‘HSE University is a single university. It just happens to have locations in different cities,’ the rector stressed. A fifth, online campus has recently appeared. ‘It is amazing that you can obtain a higher education completely online. You can communicate with lecturers in the same way, fulfil all the necessary requirements of interim and final assessments, but without ever setting foot in the university,’ says Nikita Anisimov. For example, the Master of Data Science programme has achieved international recognition and is in demand among foreign students. ‘The best Russian and foreign teachers work here. We are able to provide an online education of the same level of quality as those held within the walls of the university,’ notes the rector. ‘It is important to us that we have the opportunity to reach everyone from within Russia.’

The university continues to develop its partnerships with foreign universities, noted Nikita Anisimov, and some educational programmes are conducted entirely in English. ‘I see that there is serious interest in exchange programmes,’ explains the rector. ‘There is interest from foreign universities in exchanging teachers and students.’

Watch the full interview (in Russian)