Economist, Educator, Patriot

Evgeny Yasin was born 90 years ago

© HSE University

May 7, 2024, marks the 90th anniversary of Evgeny Yasin, one of the founders of HSE University and its Academic Supervisor. Dr Yasin passed on September 25, 2023.

Evgeny Yasin is known as an outstanding statesman, economist, and politician.

'His name is associated with the establishment of a free market in Russia and the nation's transition to a new stage of development. As a minister, he played a significant role in promoting our country ‘s integration into the global economy and trade,' according to Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Evgeny Yasin was a distinguished scientist and organiser of science. 'Yasin's seminars held in the famous auditorium on the first floor of the building on Myasnitskaya Street established a tradition of scholarly and expert discussions, where researchers deliberated on economic and social policy, and politicians explored the realm of academic inquiry,' says Yaroslav Kuzminov, Academic Supervisor of HSE University.

Evgeny Yasin is regarded as a mentor by many colleagues, both at HSE University and beyond.

'He served as my first Academic Supervisor when I was a third-year student, and he was associate professor. I wrote my first term paper under his guidance, and it continued afterwards. He served as an academic supervisor not only for me, but for an entire generation,' according to Tatyana Maleva, Director of RANEPA Institute for Social Analysis and Forecasting.

And he was also an amazing person—kind, wise, and ironic.

'He was an open-hearted individual, always willing to help, who empathised with other people's challenges and never distanced himself from them. He viewed science not as an ivory tower but as a means to enhance the quality of people's lives,' recalls Elvira Nabiullina, Chair of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

Evgeny Yasin openly admitted that he would never have been able to relocate abroad; he genuinely celebrated his country's achievements, and firmly believed in its great future.

'Until his final days, he remained committed to his vision of Russia's future,' says Alexander Shokhin, President of HSE University. 'He was not only a distinguished scholar and public figure, but, above all, a patriot whose contribution to the development of Russia we have yet to fully appreciate.'