The Herzen University Conference on Psychology in Education: Marking the centenary of psychological training at Herzen University

Abstract

Contemporary psychological training stands at the intersection of a rich historical heritage and the pressing challenges of digitalization, globalization, and the transformation of educational practices. The Institute of Psychology at Herzen University integrates the traditions of Russian psychology with innovative approaches to digitalization, inclusion, and professional preparation in its training of psychologists, educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, and public service psychologists. The Institute’s flagship research event is the International Research and Practice Conference ‘The Herzen University Conference on Psychology in Education’*. The most recent conference, held on 16–17 October 2025, marked the centenary of psychological training at the university, reflecting the evolution of Russian psychological research and its international impact. Bringing together over 600 specialists from 39 Russian regions and 14 countries, the conference underscored the continuity of traditions originating from the first psychology department, established in 1925 (M. Ya. Basov and his school), amidst modern realities — from the epistemological crisis and resilience through to cyberbullying prevention and support for students with special educational needs. Plenary sessions, sectional discussions, and commemorative events (the unveiling of a plaque and the establishment of the M. Ya. Basov Medal) integrated historical– theoretical approaches with practical innovations, highlighting such topics as psychological safety, cognitive research, family developmental resources, and the professional formation of teachers. The conference outcomes provide rich material for analyzing achievements and outlining future prospects for psychological science.

* The International Research and Practice Conference ‘The Herzen University Conference on Psychology in Education’. Available at: https://herzenpsyconf.ru/en/main/ (accessed 20.01.2026).