Every year, the opening of the Year of Science takes place at the start of the semester and invites HSZG researchers and partners from business and society to reflect on a current topic. On October 6, around 25 guests gathered in person in the large lecture hall of the Görlitz Bluebox and another 25 via livestream at BigBlueButton to exchange experiences and future developments in the field of transfer.

In brief: Prof. Raj Kollmorgen in his function as Vice-Rector Research opened the event and welcomed the guests, Bill Pottharst gave a keynote speech on the future of transfer, followed by a panel discussion with Leonie Liemich (HSZG), Prof. Jens Weber (HSZG), Matthias Weber (VHS Dreiländereck) and Bill Pottharst (HSZG), which was quickly opened up for impulses from the audience and finally turned into refreshments at the buffet.

Bill Pottharst's keynote speech opened up a view into the future. Three scenarios were presented, entitled "Big Data", "Crowdscience" and "Science Sells". These are not only directions in which knowledge transfer at universities could develop according to an analysis of public funding calls, but also the fundamental question of what meanings, tasks and roles science should play for our society in the future.

Prof. Kollmorgen gratefully accepted the food for thought on possible future developments and smoothly moderated the panel discussion. Prof. Weber autobiographically drew attention to the very practical, daily challenges of transfer, whereby the one or other unsatisfactory reaction should not discourage. He also pointed out that even people who do not currently seem receptive to the scientific consensus listen to other people.

Leonie Liemich's comments incorporated the perspectives and experiences of the HSZG's large-scale Life and Technology project, which, together with several partners, has set itself the goal of strengthening Upper Lusatia and making it more attractive through technological and social innovations. Mr. Weber from the Volkshochschule Dreiländereck pointed out how important it is that the university takes knowledge transfer seriously and pursues it intensively. He also reported from his daily work that it is also worthwhile to carry out formats that do not meet the broad mass taste. Through contact with the "outside world" and the "translation" of specialist content for the respective target group, understanding of the importance of science is achieved and increased.

Many thanks to everyone who took part in the event, participated or contributed to its success.