Research
Hot on the heels of last month’s robotic assistant for chemists, developers at ITMO University have now introduced a “virtual sidekick” for physicists. The new AI package massively accelerates complex computations when selecting materials for various hardware in laser physics, optics, and microelectronics. The program is accessed via chatbot, meaning that scientists can use natural language queries to quickly receive the necessary results.
Read more: ITMO’s New AI Assistant for Physicists Makes Theoretical Calculations and Material Selection Simple
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Scientists at ITMO and MIPT have unveiled their latest joint invention – the world’s smallest blue-spectrum laser. In fact, the device is so small that it is dwarfed by the wavelength of its own emitted light. To produce it, the researchers had to get around the issue of diffraction limit by employing a unique polariton-based design. The device should prove instrumental in developing ultra-high-resolution displays and compact biomedical devices.
Read more: Russian Scientists Develop World's Smallest Blue Laser For Displays
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Another new AI product developed at ITMO, this time in partnership with Sberbank, is a multi-agent system capable of modeling virtual molecules for use in new medical products. Researchers may simply input the necessary properties of a new molecule and the software will search for and identify the best-suited options, all with 80% accuracy. In fact, the system has already been successfully applied in picking new promising elements for drugs against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other illnesses.
University
For the past 4 years, ITMO University has been a top member of the federal program Priority 2030. This year is no exception: following the latest progress review session, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education has announced that ITMO will receive 400 million rubles in support of its ongoing 2030 Development Strategy. This funding will go towards, among other things, cutting-edge technologies such as analytical systems, optical computing elements, and ontology frameworks, as well as various AI products for scientific use.
Read more: ITMO To Receive 400 Million Rubles From Priority 2030 National Program
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Among the names of 2026’s list of Optica Fellows, one name stands out to anyone familiar with ITMO’s Center for Nanophotonics and Metamaterials. For researcher Andrey Bogdanov, who will now join the prestigious optics and photonics association, this is not only an opportunity to contribute further to global research, but also a sign of recognition for his achievements in the study of bound states in the continuum. Before earning the title, any scientist must be recommended by a current fellow and pass a rigorous review process.
Read more: ITMO Scientist Elected 2026 Optica Fellow
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Future ITMO applicants, keep your eyes peeled: the ITMO Mega Contest is back for the 2026/2027 academic year! The online entrance competition for ITMO Master’s programs now accepts international students as well as Russian nationals; three of the event’s tracks will also be available in English. Registration is now open and will continue into January, while the contest itself will conclude in early February. Winners will get the chance to enroll in Master’s programs without entrance exams.
Read more: Registration Opens for ITMO Mega Contest: Participate and Enter ITMO Master’s Programs Without Exams
