The Olsen Gang 2.0.2.5. Robs the University Executive Board
Chemistry show lecture inspires with humor, experiments and a spectacular comeback.
“I have a plan that can’t go wrong!” —with this legendary line, Egon Olsen began his attempt to crack the Chancellor’s safe almost exactly ten years ago. The result has long since achieved cult status: fire, smoke, lightning, and colorful explosions—and a failed heist that ended with Egon in the HSZG’s “dungeon.”
A Comeback for the Olsen Gang and the Chancellor
On December 8, 2025, the moment had finally arrived: Egon Olsen was released—and returned with his gang to the stage of the chemistry demonstration lecture in the packed Audimax Zittau. Under the motto “The Olsen Gang 2.0.2.5. Robs the University Executive Board,” several hundred guests experienced a mix of college theater, slapstick, and breathtaking chemistry.
A very special guest was in attendance: Former Chancellor Karin Hollstein didn’t miss the opportunity to personally track down the Olsen Gang and sit down with the Rector on the leather couch for a “chat and a laugh.”
After all, the central question of the evening was: What does Egon have planned next—and how will the University Executive Board respond to his renewed ambitions?
The students and faculty of the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences provided the answer in a spectacular stage show that drew on and reimagined classic elements of the popular demonstration lectures. These included:
- Fire and flame displays, in which brightly colored metal salts swept spectacularly across the stage.
- The legendary foam explosion, which thrilled audiences in previous years—such as in 2024 under the motto “Let’s dance dirty” —and once again left spectators in awe.
- The traditional fluorescent liquids that gave the stage its special sparkle.
- Smoke fountains and lightning effects designed to impressively assist the Olsen Gang in their escape attempts—or their failures.
- And an unbelievable number of explosions due to Dynamite Harry’s central role.
Between the experiments, the team performed humorous scenes revolving around how the University Executive Board deals with the sudden return of the “notoriously unpredictable” Egon—including some self-deprecating jabs at everyday college life. Glow sticks, ice cream, beer, and Menschellimo set the perfect mood. Thus, “Ein edles Kratzsch” was served from Zittau’s largest university brewery. The keg, signed by Karin Hollstein and Alexander Kratzsch, was auctioned off at the end of the event for 25 euros after two bids.
Science approachable, entertaining and surprising
Matthias Jeschke, Head of the General and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory and main organizer of the event, emphasized how important the format is for communicating science:
Every year, the Chemistry Show Lecture shows that chemistry doesn't have to be dry - it can surprise, inspire and be really fun. When fire, colors and foam sweep across the stage, one thing remains particularly visible: science thrives on curiosity. And that is exactly what we want to convey.
”As in previous years, the interplay of humorous action and spectacular experiments is the key to success, Jeschke continues. "The show lecture thrives on the interaction between students, staff and alumni," the graduate chemist is convinced.
A crowd-puller - with tradition and heart
Even before the event began, it was clear that the seats in the Audimax were in high demand. The run for the best seats started half an hour before admission. The FSR-N took over the supply of warm drinks and snacks as usual - an offer that was particularly welcome thanks to the wintry temperatures.
A format for all generations
The team led by chemist Matthias Jeschke already made children's eyes light up in the run-up to the chemistry show lecture. As part of the Kinder Academy the chemistry show lecture for children took place on November 7, 2025 under the title "Halloween with a difference - the scary chemistry lecture". The event was aimed exclusively at children between the ages of 8 and 12. Exciting and child-friendly experiments combined science with a scary and fun topic.
Using his ghost activity counter, a ghost hunter went in search of spooky traces and erased all the questionable extraterrestrial activity left behind by the alien Nano from Planet X during his visit. Ghostly hands magically dissolved and a neon-colored light spectacle made for astonished children's faces. With 150 children, the children's chemistry show lecture was better attended than ever before.
A Show Lecture as an Iconic Format
For years, the chemistry demonstration lecture has been one of the university’s most popular public events for young and old alike. The blend of science, theater, and humor attracts a wide audience . And in 2025, it was clear once again: The Olsen Gang is back—and chemistry is alive and well.
Anyone familiar with Egon, Benny, and Kjeld knows: After the show, it’s time to plan the next one. And the evening clearly proved one thing: Even the most perfect plan can go awry—but that’s exactly what creates the most beautiful chemical effects.
- Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
- Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
- GDCh Lausitz Chapter
- VWR, a part of Avantor
- Faculty Student Committee, Faculty N
- Baloun Precision Engineering
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