Head of HSE Molecular Physiology Laboratory Awarded Moscow Government Prize for Young Scientists

On February 11, 2026, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin presented the Moscow Government Prizes for Young Scientists for 2025. Among the 77 laureates was Evgeny Knyazev, Associate Professor of the Basic Department of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS at HSE University's Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, and Head of the Molecular Physiology Laboratory. Evgeny Knyazev was awarded for a cycle of research on the role of microRNA in the mechanisms of development and diagnostics of oncological, viral and inflammatory diseases, and preeclampsia.

Outstanding Research Cycle

The prize was awarded in the "Biology" category for a series of fundamental studies exploring the role of microRNA in the mechanisms of development and diagnostics of oncological diseases, viral infections, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and nonspecific ulcerative colitis, and preeclampsia—one of the most dangerous pregnancy complications. Knyazev's research demonstrates how microRNA regulate key signaling pathways influencing disease progression and proposes novel approaches to early diagnostics and personalized therapy. You can read more about the award at the link on the HSE website.

Laureate's Scientific Achievements

The research cycle encompasses:

• Development of microRNA-based biomarkers for predicting oncological disease progression
• Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection mechanisms through microRNA regulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors
• Creation of preeclampsia models using organ-on-a-chip technologies for hypoxic condition simulation
• Identification of novel therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel diseases

Throughout his scientific career, Evgeny Knyazev has published over 50 articles in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals. His works are cited in leading international studies in molecular biology and reproductive medicine.

Research Support

The reported results were obtained through studies supported by grants from the Russian Science Foundation (24-14-00382, 19-74-00145), Russian Foundation for Basic Research (20-34-70092, 20-04-60399), Ministry of Science and Higher Education subsidies (14.579.21.0054, 14.588.21.0007, 05.617.21.0056), and HSE University's Fundamental Research Program within the "Centers of Excellence" project. The laboratory actively collaborates with the V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology and the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS.

Award Ceremony

The prizes were presented by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin during a solemn ceremony timed to coincide with Russian Science Day. The presentation took place in the Marble Hall of Moscow City Hall, honoring 77 young scientists whose developments are already being applied in Moscow's real economy and social sectors. You can also read an interview with Evgeny Knyazev for the "At the Center of Science" project by the Center for Pedagogical Excellence at the Moscow Department of Education and Science.