During his inaugural visit, the new head of department at the SMWK, Robert Denk, is impressed by the innovative strength of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
On April 9, 2026, Robert Denk, the new head of Department 3 "Universities" 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 focus of the visit was an exchange on the strategic development of the HSZG as well as insights into current projects at the interface of research, teaching and regional transfer.
After the welcome in the Senate Hall, Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch presented the HSZG and its role within the Saxon higher education landscape. In particular, he emphasized the importance of the university for the development of Lausitz during structural change and its profile in application-oriented research and teaching.
"The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is a key player for innovation and the development of skilled workers in Upper Lusatia. It has a special role to play, especially in times of structural change," emphasized Robert Denk.
Vice President Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Sophia Keil then presented the strategic education initiative Zukunftslernort Oberlausitz (ZukLOS). The initiative combines various approaches to strengthen networking between the university, society and business. With junior academies, mobile learning opportunities and open innovation and meeting spaces, it aims to interest and inspire pupils in the region in STEM subjects.
"With ZukLOS, we are creating new access to education and research and at the same time strengthening the transfer to the region. Our aim is to get people of all generations excited about science and actively involved," says Prof. Keil.
During a subsequent tour of the campus, the head of department was given an insight into current projects at the university, including the wind PV tree, the green classroom currently under construction and the makerspace as an open space for creative and project-based work.
Another item on the program was a tour of the Zittau power plant laboratory, which plays an important role as a research and demonstration platform for energy research and technology transfer.
The combination of research, teaching and practical application visible here is impressive. The university shows how innovation can be shaped from within the region.
”In the concluding discussion, the impressions of the day were deepened and perspectives for further cooperation between the university and the ministry were discussed. Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch drew a positive conclusion: "The personal exchange is of great importance to us. Mr. Denk's inaugural visit underlines the close connection between the university and the ministry and provides a good basis for further cooperation."
