HSZG student Fabian Gerlach spent more than seven months conducting research at the Technical University of Denmark. There, he worked on a nanomedicine research project and completed his Bachelor thesis with the highest grade.
Fabian Gerlach, a student of molecular biotechnology at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, spent more than seven months at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). There, he worked on a nanomedicine research project and completed his Bachelor thesis with the highest grade.
For his internship semester, Fabian Gerlach specifically sought out a research group that aligned with his academic focus on genetic technology and immunology. He found what he was looking for at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), one of Europe’s most renowned technical universities.
He was particularly impressed by the Therapeutic Glycoengineering and Immunology research group led by Professor Steffen Goletz. Just half an hour after submitting his unsolicited application, he received an acceptance. During the subsequent online discussions, they jointly developed the research project and the topic for his Bachelor thesis.
The HSZG’s academic regulations stipulate a minimum of 20 weeks for the internship semester. Fabian decided to significantly extend his stay and worked at DTU for more than seven months, from March to October 2025.
His research focused on developing new strategies to harness tiny, naturally occurring vesicles as delivery vehicles for targeted therapies in the future. In doing so, he employed methods from molecular biology, cell culture, and genetic technology, and was able to integrate his Bachelor thesis directly into the research group’s ongoing work.
At DTU, Fabian worked alongside doctoral students, postdocs, and research assistants in an international research group. English was, of course, a natural part of everyday life in the lab.
From the very beginning, he took responsibility for his own research project—from designing the experiments to carrying them out and analyzing the results. Regular group meetings provided an opportunity to present findings, engage in scientific discussion, and collaboratively develop the next steps.
During his research stay, Fabian repeatedly realized how good his studies at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences had been. In particular, the numerous lab courses made it easier for him to get started, as he was already familiar with many molecular and cell biology methods from his studies. This allowed him to actively contribute to the research team from the very beginning and quickly familiarize himself with new procedures.
International research experiences like these demonstrate just how practical and research-oriented our Molecular Biotechnology program is. Our goal is to introduce students to scientific work at an early stage and to open the door for them to join national and international research networks. We are particularly pleased that Fabian was able to complete his Bachelor thesis under these conditions with the highest grade.
”Professor Steffen Goletz of the Technical University of Denmark also confirms that the hands-on training at the HSZG is impressive:
Fabian's practical skills were remarkable. The training at HSZG teaches skills that are immediately applicable to research. Fabian was exceptionally well-prepared for practical work in the lab. I don't see such thorough lab training everywhere.
”The stay was also a formative experience for Fabian himself. In addition to gaining technical knowledge, he particularly developed his ability to conduct independent research, as well as his time and project management skills.
The cost of living in Denmark is significantly higher than in Germany. Students can plan financial support options and funding programs for international internships well in advance in collaboration with the International Office at the University of Zittau/Görlitz.
