Evgeny Yasin Passes Away

Today, on September 25, 2023, Evgeny Yasin, an outstanding Russian economist, one of HSE University’s founding fathers and Honorary Academic Supervisor, died at the age of 89.

On December 1, 1992, HSE University issued Order No. 1, which approved the member list of the Academic Council chaired by Evgeny Yasin. After that, his life was closely tied to HSE, which has grown to become one of the country’s best universities.

The principles established by Evgeny Yasin and the other founding fathers back then remain unchanged. He was a lynchpin of the university, one of its symbols. The calibre of his personality, his moral values, his intelligence, kindness, and sense of humour are the backbone of the university.

The country knows Evgeny Yasin as an economist, but his first degree was in bridge construction, a field he worked in for a short time. He continued to build bridges throughout his whole life, connecting people of various views, academic beliefs, and national backgrounds.

Evgeny Yasin used to say that as a young man, he was a devoted communist and party member, but his beliefs started to erode as he got involved in academic research, which was his lifetime occupation alongside public service.

In his work at HSE University, he did a lot to develop Russian academia, including the establishment of the April International Academic Conference, which is now named after him.

In the 1990s, when HSE University was being created, he was a public politician, implementing the programme of the country’s transition to a market economy. He admitted that he liked being a member of the government: ‘The most important thing for me is to implement institutional changes in society,’ he said in an interview.

Everyone who knew Evgeny Yasin, listened to his talks, or read his interviews will remember him as a kind-hearted, smiling, wry, wise and cheerful person. He used to call himself a ‘clear-headed sentimentalist’, sharing his positive attitude with friends and co-workers even in the most difficult situations.

Evgeny Yasin sincerely served his profession and was a true Russian patriot. He admitted that he would never move abroad, was happy to see the achievements of his country, and believed in its bright future.

Evgeny Yasin has always been a cornerstone of HSE University and a friend to many of our colleagues. He was a talented scholar, a superb organiser, and someone whose contribution to the country’s development cannot be overestimated.

Our deep condolences to Evgeny Yasin’s family and friends. His death is a huge loss not only to HSE University, but to the whole of Russia.

A memorial service will take place at the HSE Cultural Centre (11 Pokrovsky Bulvar, Building 6) on Thursday, September 28, from 1 to 3 pm.

September 25, 2023