New SMWK department head visits the HSZG

On April 9, 2026, Robert Denk, the new head of Department 3 “Higher Education Institutions” at the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism (SMWK), paid his inaugural visit to the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) at the Zittau campus.

The visit focused on discussions regarding the strategic development of the HSZG as well as insights into current projects at the intersection of research, teaching, and regional knowledge transfer.

After a welcome in the Senate Hall, Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch presented the HSZG and its role within Saxony’s higher education landscape. In particular, he highlighted the university’s importance for the development of Lausitz amid structural change, as well as its focus on applied research and teaching.

“The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is a key player in innovation and workforce development in Upper Lusatia. It plays a particularly important role, especially in times of structural change,” emphasized Robert Denk.

Following this, Vice President Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Sophia Keil presented the strategic educational initiative “Zukunftslernort Oberlausitz” (ZukLOS). The initiative brings together various approaches to strengthen the connections between the university, society, and the business community. Through programs ranging from a junior academy and mobile learning opportunities to open innovation and meeting spaces, it aims to spark interest and enthusiasm for STEM subjects among students in the region.

“With ZukLOS, we are creating new avenues to education and research while simultaneously strengthening the transfer of knowledge to the region. Our goal is to inspire people of all generations to engage with science and actively involve them,” said Prof. Keil.

During a subsequent tour of the campus, the department head gained insights into the university’s current projects, including the Wind-PV Tree, the Green Classroom (currently under construction), and the Makerspace—an open space for creative and project-based work.

Another highlight of the program was a tour of the Zittau Power Plant Laboratory, which plays an important role in energy research and technology transfer as a research and demonstration platform.

During the concluding discussion, the participants reflected on the day’s events and discussed prospects for further cooperation between the university and the ministry. Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch offered a positive assessment: “Personal interaction is of great importance to us. Mr. Denk’s inaugural visit underscores the close ties between the university and the ministry and provides a good foundation for further collaboration.”