Successful annual meeting of the Club of Small Universities of Applied Sciences in Eastern Germany at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
On September 12 and 13, 2024, the annual meeting of the Club of Small Universities of Applied Sciences of Eastern Germany took place on the Zittau campus of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The event brought together the presidents of several universities, including the universities of Nordhausen, Schmalkalden, Neubrandenburg, Wildau, Harz and Merseburg. The host was Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
One of the central topics of the meeting was the presentation of the "University for Future" process (U4F) by Prof. Kratzsch. In this development process, which is unique in Germany, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is being further developed in close cooperation with regional and internal stakeholders in a future-oriented manner. The concept met with great interest among the participants and stimulated a lively exchange about similar initiatives at other universities.
In addition to the expert discussions, other scientific and cultural highlights of the region were also presented. The participants visited the natural fiber center in the LaNDER³ hall, which makes an important contribution to innovative and sustainable materials. Another highlight was the joint trip in a vintage bus to Waltersdorf, where they enjoyed dinner together in the Hubertusbaude. On the second day, the Lord Mayor of Zittau, Thomas Zenker, gave the group a guided tour of Zittau's historic town hall.
At the end of the two-day meeting, further intensive discussions took place on university development and the joint use of synergies. There was a particular focus on the presentation of the job pool, which the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences introduced many years ago as a tool for university development.
The meeting was a great success and provided numerous points of contact for further cooperation between the participating universities of applied sciences. The participants are looking forward to continuing the exchange next year.
Text: Dr. Stephen B. Aranha
