The educational center Sirius (for children with high abilities in the arts, science, and sports) has opened three research areas: mathematics and computer science; genetics and life sciences; and cognitive research. With the participation of the International Centre for Research in Human Development in the third area, the Center for Cognitive and Interdisciplinary Research was established. As a part of this center, Sirius is beginning a long-term project to study individual differences in education, achievements, and genius.
Yulia Kovas, Professor at TSU, is leading this interdisciplinary study, which uses the approaches of psychology, sociology, neuroscience, cognitive, and other sciences. The project is carried out by the scientists of the International Centre for Research in Human Development with undergraduates of the program Human Development: Genetics, Neuroscience and Psychology. Leading international and Russian specialists, scientists, and students from other universities are also involved.
– Today, there are a lot of hypotheses about the nature of genius and abilities, about the nature of individual development of cognitive activity, motivation, and achievements. Sirius gathers talented students in various areas – intellectual, sports, art, and music activities. A comprehensive study of the cognitive and other characteristics of these schoolchildren will make it possible to test many hypotheses and obtain new scientific knowledge that is necessary for the successful personalization of education,-says Yulia Kovas, the head of the TSU’s International Centre for Research in Human Development.
This project is also unique in that the students of Sirius will be able to participate in the work of the scientific group as young researchers and thus direct their extraordinary abilities to solving urgent problems of education.