Hands-on study orientation
With robotics, a smoothie bike, and a wide range of hands-on activities, the HSZG showcased itself at the INSIDERTREFF 2026 at Messepark Löbau as a practical and forward-looking university for the region.
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences Showcases Its Wide Range of Programs at INSIDERTREFF 2026 in Löbau
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences showcased its offerings with a large and diverse booth at this year’s INSIDERTREFF at Messepark Löbau. The largest education and career fair in the Görlitz district once again drew several thousand visitors to Löbau on May 9, 2026, and brought young people, parents, businesses, and educational institutions together for discussions.
The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) was represented with a booth measuring approximately 100 square meters in the Blumenhalle, as well as an additional information booth dedicated to the KIA cooperative study model in the exhibition hall. Numerous prospective students took the opportunity to learn about study options, application processes, and future career prospects at the university.
The INSIDERTREFF at Messepark Löbau was once again an excellent opportunity to introduce young people to the diverse study options and future prospects at our Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Through direct interaction with high school students, parents, and regional companies, we were able to have many engaging conversations and demonstrate how practical, international, and regionally rooted our studies and research at HSZG are.
”There was particular interest in the university’s interactive hands-on activities. A real crowd-pleaser was the smoothie bike, where visitors could “pedal” their way to their own smoothie. In addition, robotics was a central focus of the university’s exhibition. Various small robots were demonstrated, offering exciting insights into modern technologies and practical applications. With the “garden robot,” the university presented its very own planting assistant with a green thumb. The Vice President for Research, Transfer, and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, sums it up: “
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The INSIDERTREFF shows in a special way how valuable direct encounters are for study orientation. I am very pleased that we were not only able to present study options to interested young people, but also made future technologies tangible.
”The augmented reality glasses were particularly good. “They allow users to directly experience the production workplace of tomorrow, ” Vice President Keil continues . “The robot dogs also demonstrate how technology can be used in the future in hazardous situations and for disaster response: In confusing or dangerous environments—such as after explosions, collapses, or fires—they can be sent ahead to provide situational awareness without putting people at risk. This makes future technology tangible and understandable.”
The university’s faculties, research departments, and support services also presented numerous offerings and exhibits. Among other things, visitors were able to participate in a hands-on experiment in the flow channel, explore crystal models and microscopy, or learn about intelligent chatbots. Further insights were provided into current research projects on 3D printing and AI-supported agriculture, as well as innovative degree programs in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, education, and health.
The KIA (sandwich-style) degree course also provided information on the opportunities for a dual degree program with an integrated vocational certification and highlighted practical career paths developed in close collaboration with regional companies.
Prof. Dr. Małgorzata Maćkowiak, Vice President for Education and Sustainability, sees the INSIDERTREFF in Löbau as a valuable platform for introducing young people to regional educational and career opportunities at an early stage.
INSIDERTREFF strengthens collaboration between schools, universities, and businesses and helps provide guidance on future educational paths. I was particularly pleased that so many of my colleagues got involved with such enthusiasm and represented our university in such large numbers and with such dedication. This was the only way we could effectively reach out to these young people and introduce them to the wide range of opportunities available at our university.
”Rector Alexander Kratzsch extends his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who contributed to the successful trade show appearance: “My special thanks go to all university staff, students, faculty, and partners who supported the INSIDERTREFF with great dedication. Thanks to their efforts, we were able to bring the diversity and innovative spirit of our university to life in an authentic way.”
With over 140 exhibitors and more than 200 training and degree programs on offer, the INSIDERTREFF is one of the most important career and academic orientation events in the region. For Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the fair once again provided a valuable platform to inspire prospective students early on to pursue their studies in Upper Lusatia.
Text: Cornelia Rothe
Photos: Sven Müller
