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A Matter of the Heart: Shaping the Future of Medicine Together
On November 4 and 5, 2026, the Zittau Campus will become a hub for discussions about the future: The opening of the Year of Science 2026/27, Environment Day, and the TGZ side event “Impulses for Tomorrow’s STEM Education” will bring together research, sustainability, and education in a diverse program.
| Begin |
04. November 2026 -
08:00 Uhr |
| End | 05. November 2026 - 18:00 Uhr |
Two days, three event formats, and a shared vision of the future: On November 4 and 5, 2026, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will bring together science, the environment, education, and knowledge transfer. The focus will be on the medicine of the future, addressing the consequences of climate change, and new initiatives for cross-border STEM education. Look forward to lectures, discussions, interactive activities, hands-on research, and plenty of opportunities for exchange.
There are two separate registration options for the event:
1. Opening of the Year of Science 2026/27 starting at 4:30 p.m.
For events surrounding the opening of the Year of Science on November 4 and 5.
→ To register for the Year of Science
2. Impulses for Tomorrow’s STEM Education, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For the closing conference of the INTERREG project “Cross-Border Experimental Gardens” organized by TGZ Bautzen on November 4, including optional guided tours.
→ To register for the TGZ side event
Interpretation will be provided for Polish participants. Polish participants interested in attending should register via the following link:
→ Registration for the additional TGZ event.
Important: If you wish to participate in both event formats, please complete both registration forms.
No separate registration is required for World Environment Day.
What to Expect:
A Matter Close to Our Hearts: Shaping the Future of Medicine Together
How can innovative technologies, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary research help detect diseases earlier, tailor treatments more individually, and keep people healthy longer? With these and other questions, HSZG is launching its 2026/27 Academic Year on the theme of “Medicine of the Future.”
Patron:
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil
Vice President for Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs
Climate Change Adaptation and Heat Protection
Climate change poses growing challenges for cities and communities—particularly due to increasing heat waves and their consequences. Environment Day 2026 will therefore focus on climate adaptation and heat protection. The example of Zittau illustrates how sustainable solutions can help make cities more resilient and ensure quality of life in the long term.
Patron:
Christoph Matthias Duscha
Chancellor of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
No separate registration required.
Results, Experiences, and Perspectives on Cross-Border Collaboration
How can STEM education be conceived and further developed across borders? The closing conference of the INTERREG project “Cross-Border Experimental Gardens” brings together experiences from German-Polish cooperation and focuses on future educational opportunities and science communication. The side event is organized by Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Bautzen GmbH (TGZ) in collaboration with its project partners (Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development).
Of particular interest to: extracurricular STEM stakeholders, teachers, youth organizations, educational institutions, independent organizations, and stakeholders interested in cross-border cooperation. The event will generally be held in German; interpretation will be provided for Polish participants.
The program is updated on an ongoing basis. Subject to change.
Your schedule for November 4, 2026
Follow the color code.
Climate change adaptation, heat protection, and the question of how we can prepare our cities for the impacts of climate change.
Location: Building Z IV, Room 0.04
Results, Experiences, and Prospects of Cross-Border Cooperation
Closing conference of the INTERREG project “Cross-Border Experimental Gardens.” The program includes opening remarks, insights into the project results, and a presentation of education and science communication offerings from the HSZG.
Location: Building Z IV, Rooms 1.01/1.02
Organizer: TGZ Bautzen and project partners
Language: German; interpretation will be provided for Polish participants
Following the closing conference, registered guests will have the opportunity to explore selected learning and science venues. You can choose between two guided tours: a visit to the DLR_School_Lab at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in the Mandauhöfe, or a tour of campus-based facilities such as the Makerspace, the Green Classroom, and the PV Tree. You’ll make your selection when you register for the TGZ side event.
The focus is on climate change adaptation and heat protection, as well as concrete approaches to climate-resilient urban development.
Location: Building Z IV, Room 0.02
Location: Building Z IV, Foyer
Welcome by:
- Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs
- Thomas Zenker, Mayor of Zittau
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff on the occasion of the GAT Institute’s tenth anniversary
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
A Matter of the Heart: Shaping the Future of Medicine Together
The Future of Cardiology: Digital Cardiovascular Health
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hindricks, Charité Berlin
New Technical Possibilities in Medicine: The Example of a Surgical Robot
Prof. Dr. Stefan Zeller, Görlitz Municipal Hospital
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
Young researchers at HSZG provide insights into current research on the future of medicine.
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
Recognition and promotion of student achievements is one of the key statutory goals of the university’s support association.
In keeping with tradition, the executive board of each of the six faculties at Zittau/Görlitz University awards a support association prize.
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
The panel brings together perspectives from medical technology, ethics, biotechnology, and cell biology, as well as the social sciences, technology co-design, and applied research.
Panel participants include, among others:
- Prof. Dr. Erik Hahn (Faculty of Social Sciences, on the perspective of ethics and medical technology)
- Prof. Dr. Karin Fester (Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, on the perspective of research in biotechnology and cell biology at HSZG)
- Prof. Dr. Elisa Wirthgen (Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, on the perspective of biotechnology and Young Scientists at HSZG)
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff (Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of the GAT Institute, discussing the perspective of technology co-design)
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Matthias Schmidt.
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
Engage in conversation at the exhibits, poster session, and buffet; discover research and make new connections. At the same time, the HSZG is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology (GAT).
Location: Building Z IV, Foyer
Your schedule for November 5, 2026
An event for early-career researchers focusing on the fundamentals and opportunities of European research funding.
Location: Zittau Campus
The event continues one day after the opening of the Year of Science: How is AI changing diagnostics? What roles do robots play in the operating room and in patient care? How can the healthcare system become more sustainable? And what exactly is frugal medical technology? On November 5, the Saxony⁵ Transfer Network and the GAT Institute invite you to a session featuring expert insights, discussion, and networking—with experts from hospitals, research institutions, and companies in Saxony and the surrounding region.
Participation is free of charge.
Click here for more information and the registration form for the event.
Location: Building Z IV, Zittau
Discover during the event
Throughout both days of the event, a German-Polish interactive traveling exhibition invites visitors to explore medical technology for themselves. Six stations cover topics including:
organ cultivation · seeing in the UV and infrared spectrums · medical nanorobots · bioprostheses · capsule cameras · eye-tracking control.
This interactive exhibition is presented by Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Bautzen GmbH (TGZ) and its project partners. It will be open to visitors in the foyer of Building Z IV from November 2 through December 10, 2026.
The Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology (GAT) will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026. As the event’s scientific sponsor, the GAT will contribute to the two-day event with its own presentations and insights into ten years of applied research and knowledge transfer.
Visit the anniversary exhibition in the foyer of Building Z IV on November 4! Get a glimpse into the institute’s ten-year history and learn more about its applied research during a “virtual tour.”
When?
November 4 and 5, 2026
Where?
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Zittau Campus
Building Z IV
Theodor-Körner-Allee, Zittau
Event Language
As of now, HSZG events will be held in German. Interpretation will be provided for Polish-speaking guests at the TGZ side event “Impulses for Tomorrow’s STEM Education.”
1st floor
