HSE Researchers Develop Python Library for Analysing Eye Movements
A research team at HSE University has developed EyeFeatures, a Python library for analysing and modelling eye movement data. This tool is designed to simplify the work of scientists and developers by enabling them to efficiently process complex data and create predictive models.
The project was implemented as part of the Strategic Project 'Human-Centred AI' (Priority 2030).
Modern research increasingly leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyse vast amounts of eye movement data. However, despite significant advancements in this field, certain challenges continue to limit the effectiveness of these methods. One such challenge is the limited flexibility of existing software solutions, which often offer a narrow range of parameter settings, making it difficult to customize them for specific research tasks. Additionally, the integration of these tools with other specialised software remains a significant limitation.
The Python library EyeFeatures, developed by the Laboratory for Social and Cognitive Informatics at HSE Campus in St Petersburg, addresses these challenges by providing a versatile and user-friendly toolkit for working with eye movement data. It includes modules for processing and analysing data collected from eye trackers, devices that monitor eye movement during the performance of various tasks.
Processing eye movement data is a complex task that involves several stages. Since the eyes do not move smoothly but rather in a series of rapid, jerky motions, focusing on specific points, the first stage of data processing is identifying areas of fixation. In the second stage, metrics such as the average gaze fixation duration and the average distance between points are calculated, enabling the creation of initial, simple predictive or diagnostic models.
All stages of data processing can be carried out using the various modules of the EyeFeatures library. The flexible, modular approach makes it easy to integrate eye movement data processing into existing research and commercial projects, from raw data to a fully developed predictive or explanatory model. For example, using the library in marketing research allows for the evaluation of consumer reactions to advertisements. Eye movement analysis will reveal which elements capture the most attention from the audience.
According to Anton Surkov, Project Head, Junior Research Fellow at Laboratory for Social and Cognitive Informatics at HSE Campus in St Petersburg, 'The library can be valuable to researchers, as it enables them not simply to replicate existing functionality from other software but to implement new algorithms and create more advanced models for research in fields such as marketing, cognitive process diagnostics, user interface and neural interface development (where control and interaction with the program occur through eye movement), as well as combine components in innovative ways to achieve new results and enhance methodology.'
This solution streamlines data analysis and accelerates the creation of predictive models, which is particularly beneficial in medical diagnostics, marketing, and the study of cognitive processes. The library has already been applied in research conducted as part of the Strategic Project 'Human-Centred AI' and was presented at the ECEM 2024 international conference in Ireland.
See also:
Scientists Rank Russian Regions by Climate Risk Levels
Researchers from HSE University and the Russian Academy of Sciences have assessed the levels of climate risks across Russian regions. Using five key climate risks—heatwaves, water stress, wildfires, extreme precipitation, and permafrost degradation—the scientists ranked the country’s regions according to their need for adaptation to climate change. Krasnoyarsk Krai, Irkutsk Region, and Sverdlovsk Region rank among the highest for four of the five climate risks considered. The study has been published in Science of the Total Environment.
HSE University and MTS Join Forces to Combat Deepfakes and Train AI to Create Bespoke Video Content
HSE University and MTS Web Services (MWS) have announced the launch of a series of joint research initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence technologies. These efforts aim to develop innovative solutions in cybersecurity, multimodal content generation, and big data analysis. The project’s leading institution is the HSE Tikhonov Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics (HSE MIEM), under the overall coordination of the HSE AI Research Centre.
HSE University to Host BRICS International School: New Generation
Registration for the BRICS International School: New Generation, one of the leading international educational projects aimed at prospective leaders interested in the agenda of global development and cooperation within the framework of BRICS, has opened.
HSE University Strengthens Ties with Peking University
On July 21, 2025, representatives from Peking University led by Zhang Jin, Vice President of Peking University and Chancellor of Shenzhen Graduate School, paid a visit to HSE University. The delegation included forty students, teachers, and administrators. During their visit, leaders from both universities discussed potential areas for future collaboration, and representatives from three HSE University departments held meetings with Chinese students.
HSE University Brings Together Researchers at International AI Summer Institute in Shanghai
In early July 2025, the International Summer Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Education took place in Shanghai. It was organised by the HSE Institute of Education in cooperation with East China Normal University (ECNU). More than 50 early-career researchers and keynote speakers from nine countries—ranging from Russia and China to Canada and Singapore—gathered to share the latest findings from their work and to forge new international partnerships.
'We Are Now Nearing Practical Application of a Stimulus-Free Brain-Mapping System'
Neural interfaces developed by scientists at HSE University in collaboration with clinicians make it possible to communicate with the brain and decode its signals. The use of such interfaces opens up opportunities to stimulate brain activity, restore and normalise muscle control in patients who have suffered a stroke, heart attack, or other neurological disorders, and support the rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic brain injuries or limb loss. Alexey Ossadtchi, Director of the Centre for Bioelectric Interfaces at the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, discusses the centre and its work.
HSE University Presents Smart Orthosis at Hope for Technology Forum
On July 10–11, 2025, Moscow hosted the 10th Hope for Technology National Forum of the Rehabilitation Industry and Universal Design. The event was aimed at discussing innovative achievements in the rehabilitation industry. The MIEM Student Design Bureau and the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience presented a smart orthosis, which was developed at the request of orthopedists.
HSE Researchers Teach Neural Network to Distinguish Origins from Genetically Similar Populations
Researchers from the AI and Digital Science Institute, HSE Faculty of Computer Science, have proposed a new approach based on advanced machine learning techniques to determine a person’s genetic origin with high accuracy. This method uses graph neural networks, which make it possible to distinguish even very closely related populations.
HSE Economists Reveal the Secret to Strong Families
Researchers from the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences have examined the key factors behind lasting marriages. The findings show that having children is the primary factor contributing to marital stability, while for couples without children, a greater income gap between spouses is associated with a stronger union. This is the conclusion reported in Applied Econometrics.
Experts Assess How BRICS Countries’ Education Systems Are Evolving
The BRICS Expert Council–Russia, based at HSE University and operating in collaboration with the HSE Institute of Education, has released an analytical report titled ‘The Transformation of General Education in BRICS Countries.’ The study explores how BRICS nations are addressing shared challenges, including equitable access to schooling, digital integration, support for inclusion, linguistic diversity, and intercultural dialogue.