He received his BA (2018) and MA (2020) in International Relations at SPbU. His Ph.D. thesis (2023) was devoted to the theoretical conceptualization of post-truth politics and digital information influence in international relations. Currently, his research interests focus on contemporary digital threats, information security, digital polarization, online platform governance, and digital literacy.

Yury Kolotaev is an author of multiple publications, in Russian and English, harmful content governance, including tackling of hate speech and online disinformation. Authored two chapters in The Palgrave Handbook of Malicious Use of AI and Psychological Security.

Member of a SPbU research team on the topic of Russia's information security in the age of Industry 4.0 and new hybrid threats. Participates in a research project funded by the Russian Science Foundation on political fragmentation. Carried out research as part of a research project funded by RFBR on challenges to psychological security through the malicious use of artificial intelligence in Northeast Asia (2021-2023).