Ilya Nikitin, Ph.D. — Researcher & Founder of The Null Institute

Ilya Nikitin, Ph.D., is the founder and director of The Null Institute and a research-focused author at Mike’s Balance. His work on the site focuses on evidence analysis, measurement, research methodology, quantitative reasoning, and the critical evaluation of scientific claims.

Research background

Nikitin earned a Candidate of Technical Sciences degree at Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” in St. Petersburg, Russia. His research field was solid-state electronics, electronic components, micro- and nanoelectronics, and quantum-effect devices.

His dissertation research examined sensors, thermal effects, and size-dependent phenomena in microstructures. This background involved experimental measurement, physical modelling, and the analysis of effects that can change with structure size and operating conditions.

Role at Mike’s Balance

At Mike’s Balance, Nikitin writes research-driven articles and works on questions where the quality of measurement, definitions, assumptions, and competing explanations matter as much as the headline result. His academic background is in engineering and physical sciences, not medicine. Health-related articles therefore rely on published medical evidence and, where appropriate, medical review rather than on his academic credential alone.

Credential note

For the English-language author byline, Mike’s Balance uses Ph.D. The formally awarded Russian degree is Candidate of Technical Sciences (Кандидат технических наук), specialty 05.27.01 under the Higher Attestation Commission (VAK) classification. The specialty covered solid-state electronics, radio-electronic components, micro- and nanoelectronics, and devices based on quantum effects.