The Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences celebrates its 30th anniversary with 250 guests and a varied program.
On June 13 and 14, 2024, the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences celebrated its 30th anniversary with a total of around 250 guests - alumni, students and staff as well as several guests of honor, including the Rector of the HSZG.
After the faculty was also founded as part of the reestablishment of the HSZG in 1992, teaching began in 1994, including courses in Ecology and Environmental Protection, Chemistry and Mathematics. A few years later, biotechnology courses were added to complete the faculty's profile.
The relevance of the topics that have been researched and taught in Zittau for over 30 years is not diminishing today. In order to approach the topics, the first day of the event focused on overarching and generally understandable lectures. Prof. Daniela Thrän (UFZ Leipzig and former member of the German government's Bioeconomy Council) first presented "Perspectives for the development of the bioeconomy for the next decade", before Dr. André-René Blaudszun (Fraunhofer IZI) introduced the audience to the hard science behind immuno-oncology under the title "Immune system-supported strategies for fighting cancer".
Before the evening ended with music and culinary delights in a relaxed atmosphere on campus, there was one more highlight on the program: the biodiversity show by Dominik Eulberg. In around 2 hours, the musician and ecologist (visiting scientist at the Natural History Museum Berlin) took us on a multimedia journey into nature. Impressive footage from renowned nature filmmakers, combined with live electronic music and a blazing enthusiasm for the wonders and connections of nature fascinated the auditorium and invited us to walk through the diversity of nature with open eyes.
The second day then focused on the specialist presentations in the specialist groups - with contributions from alumni and external experts. The topics ranged from biotechnological explorations to the role of chemistry in the energy transition or the topics of our alumni in the field of environmental sciences - the program can be found here. People discussed, listened, learned and (re)networked - until the festive event came to an end.
The associated laboratory fair, which took place on campus, should not be forgotten - the natural sciences are always dependent on the latest equipment and analytical methods. Thanks to the laboratory fair, students and alumni were able to find out about the latest developments.
We would like to thank the sponsors of the event, the caterers (ZittauVegan, Mr. Bales, Vinyl) as well as all participants, contributors and organizers for the wonderful event, which once again clearly demonstrated to us: Yes, natural and environmental sciences make you happy!
We thank our supporters, both the companies and all private sponsors!
