From Ulaanbaatar to Zittau

From March 18 to 20, 2024, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) welcomed a delegation from the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMiT) in Ulaanbaatar. Supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this visit followed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in the previous year and marked a significant step towards expanding and deepening our international educational cooperation.

The focus of the visit was on exchanging ideas and exploring future opportunities for cooperation. The guests were given an insight into the research and teaching activities of the HSZG, with a particular focus on the natural sciences and engineering at the Zittau site. Highlights included a tour of the electrical engineering and high-voltage technology laboratories, the Lander Hall with the ^LaNDER3 project and a presentation of research at the ZIRKON Institute and the Zittau power plant laboratory.

This was followed by discussions on German-Mongolian university cooperation, in which the foundations for further cooperation in education and research were laid. The presentations by the STEM faculties provided a comprehensive overview of cooperation opportunities and study programs. Both short and long-term cooperation opportunities were discussed, including exchange programs for staff and students, visitor scholarship programs, joint implementation of externally funded projects, the establishment of a double degree program and internship programs.

The visit to Steinert-Unisort and RTT-Systemtechnik, two Zittau-based companies known for their advanced technologies in waste sorting, highlighted Zittau's potential as an attractive place to live and work. These tours not only provided insights into the application of NIR (near-infrared spectroscopy) and AI technologies, but also opened up opportunities for internships and training paths for students.

The delegation participants had the opportunity to explore Zittau as a vibrant place to learn and work. The exploration of the cultural and regional characteristics - from the historic old town, to the strategically advantageous location in the three-country region, to the attractive living conditions - made the stay a memorable experience. This strengthened the desire for long-term cooperation with the HSZG.