Russian School Twin Register (RSTR)

Twin Register is an important research resource for interdisciplinary studies looking into relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors into various aspects of human development at different stages in life. Created in 2011 and continuously expanding, the Russian School Twin Register is part of the international network of twin studies, along with such registers as the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), The Western Reserve Reading Project, and The Québec Study of Newborn Twins (QSNT).

Currently, RSTR supports the project PROGRESS: Progress in education through gene-environment studies. More information on the Russian School Twin Register (RSTR) is available at http://www.protwins.ru.



TAGC (The Accessible Genetics Consortium)

The TAGC’s goal is to communicate genetic knowledge in an accessible way and to address its ethical and legal implications to enable everyone to benefit from genetic discoveries.

For more information, please visit http://www.tagc.world/

International project «Genetically Informative Study into Brain Mechanisms Underlying Mathematical Ability»

The main goal of the project is the analysis of the aetiology of individual differences in mathematical ability and achievement. The project focuses on cognitive and non-cognitive aspects of mathematical learning including memory, motivation and anxiety. The project includes a variety of methods and approaches, in particular the twin method, EEG and cognitive psychology. The purpose of the project is to contribute to the development of new "mathematically friendly" education programmes from school to university.

Understanding of Bullying and Victimization in Different Countries

The project is part of the Indian-European Research Networking Programme in the Social Sciences. Bullying is a physical and/or psychological violence aimed to cause fear in the victim and to dominate. The main goals are to understand what are the different terms used to describe different types of behavior related to bullying in different languages as well manifestations of this behaviour in different cultures.

Laboratory for Cognitive Studies of Language

The aims of the Laboratory are to study mutual influences of linguistic and cognitive mechanisms on the processes of generation and perception of speech in native and second language; and creation of mathematical models for processing of language units and texts.

Understanding the processes of interference at different stages of speech ability and mastery of native and foreign language helps to optimize processes of language education and communication practices in socially important areas. Mathematical modeling for cognitive processes in the processing of language stimuli is the basis for improvement of text arrays automatic processing systems.

For more information please visit: http://cognitio.tsu.ru/projects-2/

Laboratory for Cognitive Investigations in Space Exploration

The aims of the Laboratory are to gain knowledge in order to improve training for humans working in space as well as transfer this knowledge to other areas of human activity under extreme conditions.

For more information please visit: http://cognitio.tsu.ru/projects-2/

Prospective Longitudinal Interdisciplinary Study (PLIS)

The study uses the unique method of comparing groups of children and parents with varying degrees of genetic relatedness resulting from IVF (in-vitro fertilization) as well naturally conceived children and their parent. The longitudinal study begins in pregnancy and continues to school age (and beyond). The study examines the relative contribution of genetic, pre- and postnatal factors in different aspects of child development (health, social and cognitive development, education, etc.).



Knowledge Mobilization on Early Childhood Development

Development and support for the Russian version of Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development – an international and interdisciplinary free on-line resource in the field of child development for parents, teachers and educational policy makers http://www.encyclopedia-deti.com/.



Cross-cultural Adaptation and Evaluation of Programmes in Early Childhood Development

Evaluation and implementation of educational programmes, methods and approaches to early childhood development.

Spatial Abilities

Spatial ability is an ability to locate, store, reproduce and modify spatial relationships between objects. The main objectives of the project are: analyze the components of spatial thinking; to explore the architecture of these components, or spatial relationships between these components; to explore the relationship between these components and academic performance, life achievement.



Institute for Law and Ethics (ILE)

ILE brings together Lawyers, Scientists and Policymakers to work on legal and ethical implications of genetics, including updating laws to protect individuals and ensure fair use of genetic findings.

ILE also provides professional training, consultation, reports and expert opinions in matters related to legal and ethical implications of genetics.

The Institute collaborates with international partners, including in the UK, USA, China and Canada.

Background:

Genetic advancements are intertwined with peoples’ fundamental rights, are highly complex, and genetics science is one of the fastest progressing sciences in human history.

The amount of information we can now extract from an individual’s genetic data makes the need for updated legal protection/regulation urgent. With current laws in place, people are not protected from potential misuses.

The LESIG Working Group was established by Institute in collaboration with TAGC and InLab, Goldsmiths, University of London.

LESIG operates in the UK and Russian Federation.