Christmas greetings 2025

A year full of new beginnings and new connections

In his Christmas greetings, the Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, looks back on a year that was characterized by important reform steps, strong cooperation and noticeable impulses for the region.

One of the most important developments is the newly structured Rectorate, which took up its work at the beginning of the year and clearly aligns the strategic development of the university. Another visible milestone was the introduction of the digital Campus Card, with which the HSZG was the first university in Saxony to create a modern and barrier-free study environment.

The university was able to significantly strengthen its role in the areas of International Affairs and future technologies. One focus was on the semiconductor industry, in which the HSZG is opening up new development paths with regional and international partners. The International Business Conference on the Semiconductor Industry and the intensive talks held by a university delegation in Taiwan, Japan and Singapore in October have significantly deepened international networking and cooperation in this future-oriented field. The two new study programs "Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry" and "Mechatronics for Manufacturing" are direct components of this strategic orientation.

With the opening of the DLR_School_Lab, the first International Day, the Teaching Day and a variety of scientific events, the university's claim to be a place of learning for the future in Upper Lusatia became visible. At the same time, the laying of the foundation stone for the large CircEcon research campus was a highlight for the further development of the region during the structural change.

With a view to the coming years, Prof. Kratzsch emphasizes the implementation of the University Development 2030+. The new faculty structure, the international switch to the 6+4 model and the establishment of central facilities such as the Digital Service Center and the Neisse Talent & Innovation Hub are intended to strengthen the university in the long term.

On behalf of the Rectorate, Prof. Alexander Kratzsch would like to thank all students, employees and partners of the university for their commitment and trust and wishes them a peaceful Christmas season, relaxing days and a confident start to 2026.