A Matter of the Heart: Shaping the Future of Medicine Together
On November 4 and 5, 2026, the Zittau Campus will become a hub for discussions about the future: The opening of the Year of Science 2026/27, Environment Day, and the TGZ side event “Impulses for Tomorrow’s STEM Education” will bring together research, sustainability, and education in a diverse program.
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04. November 2026 -
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| End | 05. November 2026 - 18:00 |
Two days, three event formats, and a shared vision of the future: On November 4 and 5, 2026, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will bring together science, the environment, education, and knowledge transfer. The focus will be on the medicine of the future, addressing the consequences of climate change, and new initiatives for cross-border STEM education. Look forward to lectures, discussions, interactive activities, hands-on research, and plenty of opportunities for exchange.
There are two separate ways to register for the event:
1. Opening of the Year of Science 2026/27 starting at 4:15 p.m.
For events surrounding the opening of the Year of Science on November 4 and 5.
→ To register for the Year of Science
2. Impulses for Tomorrow’s STEM Education, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For the closing conference of the INTERREG project “Cross-Border Experimental Gardens” organized by TGZ Bautzen on November 4, including optional guided tours.
→ To register for the TGZ side event
Interpretation will be provided for Polish participants. Interested Polish participants should register via the following link:
→ Registration for the additional TGZ event.
Important: If you would like to participate in both event formats, please complete both registration forms.
No separate registration is required for World Environment Day.
What to Expect:
A Matter Close to Our Hearts: Shaping the Future of Medicine Together
November 4, 2026: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., doors open at 4:00 p.m.
November 5, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How can innovative technologies, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary research help detect diseases earlier, tailor therapies more individually, and keep people healthy longer? With these and other questions, the HSZG kicks off its 2026–27 Academic Year on the theme “Medicine of the Future.”
Patron:
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil
Vice President for Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Climate Change Adaptation and Heat Protection
Climate change poses growing challenges for cities and municipalities—particularly due to increasing heat waves and their consequences. Environment Day 2026 will therefore focus on climate adaptation and heat protection. The example of Zittau illustrates how sustainable solutions can help make cities more resilient and ensure quality of life in the long term.
Patron:
Christoph Matthias Duscha
Chancellor of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
No separate registration required.
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Results, Experiences, and Perspectives on Cross-Border Cooperation
How can STEM education be conceived and further developed across borders? The closing conference of the INTERREG project “Cross-Border Experimental Gardens” brings together experiences from German-Polish cooperation and focuses on future educational offerings and science communication. The side event is organized by Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Bautzen GmbH (TGZ) in collaboration with its project partners (Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development).
Of particular interest to: extracurricular STEM stakeholders, teachers, youth organizations, educational institutions, independent organizations, and stakeholders interested in cross-border cooperation. The event will generally be held in German; interpretation will be provided for Polish participants.
The program is updated on an ongoing basis. Subject to change.
Your schedule for November 4, 2026
Follow the color code.
"The State Garden Show as a Tool for Climate-Resilient Urban Development in Zittau
Moritz Dieterich, Head of Urban and Regional Development/Urban Renewal at Zittauer Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
Climate change adaptation, heat protection, and the question of how we can prepare our cities for the consequences of climate change.
Location: Building Z IV, Room 0.04
Results, Experiences, and Prospects of Cross-Border Cooperation
Closing conference of the INTERREG project “Cross-Border Experimental Gardens.” The program will include opening remarks, insights into the project results, and a presentation of education and science communication programs offered by the HSZG.
» Opening Remarks:
- Marek Staniewicz (Łukasiewicz – PORT)
» Opening Remarks:
- HSZG Administration and
- Manuel Schubinski, Contact Center for Saxon-Polish Economic Cooperation in Poland
Location: Building Z IV, Rooms 1.01/1.02
Organizers: TGZ Bautzen and project partners
Language: German; interpretation provided for Polish participants
"Presentation of Project Results: 'Cross-Border Experimental Gardens'
- Łukasiewicz – PORT – Marek Staniewicz
- ILK Dresden – Dr. Albert Langkamp
» “ZukLOS: Extracurricular STEM Education in the Three-Country Region,” Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Research, Transfer, and International Affairs
» “AI in Extracurricular STEM Education” (working title), Selina Pietsch, Media Literacy Promotion/
Adult Education SLM
» “STEM Meets the Working World – Practical Insights Directly in the Classroom” – How KURSZukunft Connects Schools and Regional Companies in Subject-Specific Instruction, Maik Schwenker, KURSZukunft GmbH & Co. KG
Location: Building Z IV, Rooms 1.01/1.02
Organizer: TGZ Bautzen and project partners
Language: German; interpretation provided for Polish participants
Moritz Dieterich, Head of Urban and Regional Development/Urban Renewal at Zittauer Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
The focus is on climate adaptation and heat protection, as well as concrete approaches to climate-resilient urban development.
Location: Building Z IV, Room 0.02
Following the closing conference, registered guests will have the opportunity to explore selected learning and science venues. You can choose between two guided tours: a visit to the DLR_School_Lab at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in the Mandauhöfe, or a tour of campus-based facilities such as the Makerspace, the Green Classroom, and the PV Tree. You’ll make your selection when you register for the TGZ side event.
Location: Building Z IV, Foyer
Welcome and ceremonial opening of the Year of Science 2026/27, as well as congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology (GAT) by:
- Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs
Remarks:
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the GAT Institute
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
- Thomas Zenker, Mayor of the City of Zittau
Location: Building Z IV, Main Auditorium/Room 0.01
A Matter of the Heart: Shaping the Future of Medicine Together
» The Future of Cardiology: Digital Cardiovascular Health
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hindricks, Charité Berlin
» New Technical Possibilities in Medicine: The Example of a Surgical Robot
Prof. Dr. Stefan Zeller, Görlitz Municipal Hospital
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Zeller discusses innovative treatment options in everyday clinical practice and introduces the computer-assisted Da Vinci surgical system at the Görlitz Municipal Hospital. The focus will be on the specific possibilities and limitations of robot-assisted surgical techniques. Which procedures benefit from this technology, what prerequisites are required, and how will this change things for surgeons and patients?
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
Young researchers from the HSZG’s “Toolbox Biomedicine” early-career research group will provide insights into their research on the future of medicine.
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
Recognition and promotion of student achievements is one of the key statutory goals of the university’s support association.
In keeping with tradition, the executive board of each of the six faculties at Zittau/Görlitz University awards a support association prize.
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
The panel brings together perspectives from medical technology, medical law, ethics, biotechnology, and cell biology, as well as the Social Sciences, technology co-design, and applied research.
Panel participants include, among others:
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Erik Hahn (Faculty of Social Sciences, on the perspective of medical law and ethics)
- Prof. Dr. Karin Fester (Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, on the perspective of research in biotechnology and cell biology at HSZG)
- Prof. Dr. Elisa Wirthgen (Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, discussing the perspective of biotechnology and Young Scientists at HSZG)
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Hoff (Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of the GAT Institute on the topic of co-design of technology)
Moderator: Prof. Dr. Matthias Schmidt.
Location: Building Z IV, Audimax/Room 0.01
Engage in conversation at the exhibits, poster session, and buffet; discover research and make new connections. At the same time, the HSZG is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology (GAT).
Location: Building Z IV, Foyer
Your schedule for November 5, 2026
An event offered by the Central EU Service Agency of Saxony (ZEUSS) for early-career researchers, covering the basics and opportunities of European research funding.
The event “The Basics of EU Research Funding—An Information Session for an Easy Start with Horizon Europe” will provide fundamental knowledge about the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation and explain the key steps for submitting Horizon Europe proposals. The information session is primarily aimed at interested first-time applicants from the HSZG.
Location: ZIRKON, Building Z IX, Seminar Room 012, Friedrich-Schneider-Straße 26, 02763 Zittau
Registration via Forschung@hszg.de.
The event continues one day after the opening of the Year of Science: How is AI changing diagnostics? What roles do robots play in the operating room and in patient care? How can the healthcare system become more sustainable? And what exactly is frugal medical technology? On November 5, the Saxony⁵ Transfer Network and the GAT Institute invite you to attend presentations, engage in discussions, and network—with experts from hospitals, research institutions, and companies in Saxony and the surrounding region.
Participation is free of charge.
Click here for more information and the registration form for the event.
Location: Building Z IV, Zittau, Audimax/Room 0.01 and Room 1.04
Discover during the event
Public Activity Course “The Ecological Footprints”
With the interactive activity trail “Ecological Footprints,” the HSZG invites you to view your own daily life from a new perspective. Every step of the way, the trail addresses questions related to sustainable mobility, housing, nutrition, consumption, and energy. The footprints on the ground lead participants through various thematic areas, spark reflection, and demonstrate that every decision leaves a mark—and that everyone can make a difference; even small changes in daily life can have a big impact.
The trail brings sustainability to life, creates space for discussion, and invites participants to discover ideas together for a sustainable everyday life.
Throughout both days of the event, a German-Polish interactive traveling exhibition invites visitors to explore medical technology for themselves. Six stations cover topics including:
organ cultivation · seeing in the UV and infrared spectrums · medical nanorobots · bioprostheses · capsule cameras · eye-tracking control.
This interactive exhibition is presented by Technologie- und Gründerzentrum Bautzen GmbH (TGZ) and its project partners. It will be open to visitors in the foyer of Building Z IV from November 2 through December 10, 2026.
The Institute for Health, Ageing, Technology (GAT) will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026. As the event’s scientific sponsor, the GAT will contribute to the two-day event with its own presentations and insights into ten years of applied research and knowledge transfer.
Visit the anniversary exhibition in the foyer of Building Z IV on November 4! Get a glimpse into the institute’s ten-year history and learn more about its applied research during a “virtual tour.”
1st floor
