18. September 2024

Future-oriented and innovative

Successful Annual Meeting of the Club of Small Universities of Applied Sciences in Eastern Germany at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences

The university president and the university deans are standing on the steps in front of Building One for a group photo and smiling at the camera.
Photo: Sven Müller The Rector of the HSZG, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch (5th from the left), invited the Association of Small Universities of Applied Sciences in Eastern Germany to its annual meeting in Zittau.

On September 12 and 13, 2024, the annual meeting of the Club of Small Universities of Applied Sciences in Eastern Germany took place on the Zittau campus of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The event brought together presidents and rectors from several universities, including the universities of Nordhausen, Schmalkalden, Neubrandenburg, Wildau, Harz, and Merseburg. The host was Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

One of the central topics of the meeting was Prof. Kratzsch’s presentation of the “University for Future” (U4F) process. In this development process—unique in Germany —Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is being further developed with a focus on the future in close collaboration with regional and internal stakeholders. The concept generated great interest among the participants and sparked a lively discussion about similar initiatives at the other universities.

In addition to the technical discussions, other scientific and cultural highlights of the region were also presented. The participants toured the Natural Fiber Center in the LaNDER³ Hall, which makes an important contribution to innovative and sustainable materials. Another highlight was the group trip on a vintage bus to Waltersdorf, where a group dinner was held at the Hubertusbaude. On the second day, Thomas Zenker, the mayor of Zittau, guided the group through the historic Zittau City Hall.

The university presidents are seated around the table in the Senate Hall, discussing matters.
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The university presidents are seated at the table in the Senate Hall, discussing matters.
The university presidents are seated around the table in the Senate Hall, discussing matters.
The university presidents are seated around the table in the Senate Hall, discussing matters.
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At the conclusion of the two-day meeting, further in-depth discussions took place on institutional development and the joint exploitation of synergies. Particular emphasis was placed on the presentation of the job pool, which Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences introduced many years ago as a tool for institutional development.

The meeting was a great success and provided numerous opportunities for further collaboration among the participating universities of applied sciences. The participants look forward to continuing the exchange next year.

Text: Dr. Stephen B. Aranha

Ihre Ansprechperson
Dr.
Stephen Aranha
referent(at)hszg.de
University Executive Board/University development and communication division
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.54
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4403