SPIN2030 - Saxony as a land of science

In the coming years, Saxony’s research landscape will take its next major steps forward. With the SPIN2030 Agenda, the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism (SMWK) is supporting universities and research institutions on this path and setting the course for the strategic advancement of research and teaching in the Free State of Saxony through 2030.

At a kickoff event on February 3, 2023, Minister President Michael Kretschmer and Minister of State Sebastian Gemkow presented the agenda for Saxony as a center of science. By 2030, Saxony will invest at least 17 billion euros in its scientific landscape. This represents the largest investment in Saxony’s science sector to date. This will help secure and expand Saxony’s leading position in research over the long term. The state government is thus placing a clear priority on science, universities, and research.

Following the presentation, selected exhibitors from across the Free State showcased interesting scientific developments at a science fair held in the Congress Hall at the Leipzig Zoo.

"What is SPIN2030? It is our universities and research institutions, staffed by bright minds who are using their energy and creativity to drive new scientific breakthroughs that will change our world. It also includes our students—the next generation of scientists and future professionals for our companies. We want to throw open the door to the future and secure and expand prosperity in the Free State of Saxony.” Minister of State Sebastian Gemkow

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences showcased itself at the event alongside the four other Saxon universities of applied sciences at a large joint booth for the "Saxony5" joint project. While the Saxony⁵ team addressed questions such as what knowledge and technology transfer is and why it is needed, the Saxon universities of applied sciences showcased selected projects from their research and transfer activities.

HSZG Kicks Off with Two Hands-On Activities

With the “Climate Market” exhibit , the “KMU Klima Deal” project illustrates how life cycle assessments help people make environmentally friendly purchasing decisions. Climate protection is becoming increasingly important, and as consumers, we have a choice when buying products—but by the time we reach the store shelves, we ask ourselves: “How do I know what’s more climate-friendly? Is a climate-neutral product really more environmentally friendly?” To answer these questions, life cycle assessments, carbon footprints, and numerous product labels have been established to inform and persuade. However, because the underlying issues are complex, these often only serve to confuse. With its “Klima-Markt” initiative, the HSZG shed light on the issue and engaged in a playful dialogue using plant-based milk alternatives as an example.

The staff of our LaNDER³ research partnership are exploring how we can produce and live in the future using what nature provides. At our second hands-on event, interested participants were able to make their own natural-fiber-reinforced plastics and learn more about this forward-looking research.