HSZG at the SPIN2030 science festival

As part of the SPIN2030 Science Festival, a statewide initiative of the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism, the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences will be showcasing its work on March 8 and 9, 2024, at the Dresden Technical Collections. The festival serves as a showcase for Saxony’s impressive research landscape, highlighting the capabilities and innovative strength of the state’s science and research institutions.

SPIN2030 embodies the forward-looking focus of scientific activities in Saxony and creates a platform that highlights the importance of research for societal development at both the regional and international levels. With a blend of interaction and information, the festival aims to convey knowledge, initiate dialogue, and foster a fascination with science.

Admission is free!

Opening Event

Following a presentation on key science policy priorities—together with Minister President Michael Kretschmer—Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow will provide information about the SPIN2030 campaign, after which three female scientists from Saxony will present their current research projects.

Of particular note: One of the three female scientists is our Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil.

The opening event will be moderated by Ciani-Sophia Hoeder. The author and freelance journalist writes for publications such as *Die Welt* and *Die Zeit*, and has hosted, for example, the documentary “Better than Human? Living with AI” for ARD Wissen.

Exhibits

When: March8 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., March 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: OG1_S7

• “Expand Your Perspective—with Augmented Reality and LEGO®”: Visitors can experience the combination of augmented reality and LEGO® in the special exhibition on OG1, gaining a new perspective on complex scientific and technological topics.

• “Science You Can Try Out—The Zittau Power Plant Laboratory (ZKWL)”: In a special exhibition on the first floor, the university’s Zittau Power Plant Laboratory presents its experimental facilities. Interested visitors can interact with autonomous robots.

• "Producing with What Nature Provides": The LaNDER³ partnership is researching how living and producing with what nature provides might be possible in the future. From fiber extraction and processing to the energy-efficient production of natural fiber composites, all the way to their recycling and reuse.

Workshops:

• “The Energy Transition for Your Home”: On March 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a workshop with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kunick (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering) will take place in the Technical Theater on the 1st floor, highlighting practical approaches to implementing the energy transition in your own home.

• “Civil Society, Civic Engagement, and Social Innovations”: A two-hour workshop led by M.A. Leonie Liemich (Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer) will be held in the Turmzimmer on the 6th floor on March 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., exploring the role of civil society and civic engagement in the development of rural regions. A panel discussion with audience participation and a wrap-up session will provide opportunities for exchange and discussion.

Meet a Scientist:

• “Climate Change, the Energy Transition, and Renewable Energy”: Prof. Dr. tech. Stefan Kornhuber (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), an expert in the field of power engineering, invites you to a dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of the energy supply transformation on March 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the special exhibition on the first floor.