The two research institutes at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, iTN and IOT, were merged on January 6, 2021 to form a joint institute, the Verbundinstitut für Nachhaltige Verfahrensentwicklung, Oberflächentechnik, Torf- und Naturstoff-Forschung - iTN+IOT for short. The aim of this constellation was to create synergies for the research of the two institutes and optimum structures for the long-term future. 

The time has come! After the one-year transition phase, the iTN+IOT joint institute will now become the Zittau Institute for Process Development, Circular Economy, Surface Technology and Natural Materials Research - "ZIRKON" at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences on January 1, 2021.

The organizational form introduced for the joint institute in subject-specific working groups

-  Sustainable processes and procedures for material processing and recycling,

-  Soil Science, Geoengineering and Landfilling, Peat and Natural Materials,

-  Bioeconomy,

-   Surface treatment and analytics

has become established and proven itself. This structure and the commitment of the professors and staff conducting research at the joint institute have already led to good results in project work and the acquisition of new projects and networks. In addition, new collaborations for applied industrial research have been established. Now, as already planned in 2020, the path that has been started will be continued under a new name and soon with a new logo.

With Prof. Dr. Martin Sturm as Institute Director and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Schoenherr as President in an advisory capacity, ZIRKON's expertise and networks will be further expanded and new developments, such as the topics of Circular Economy, will be effectively supported.