New DLR_School_Lab University opened in Zittau/Görlitz

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On May 15, a 350-square-meter DLR_School_Lab was officially inaugurated at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. This innovative facility offers students a unique extracurricular learning environment designed to foster lasting enthusiasm for STEM subjects. With the support of the German Aerospace Center, it will strengthen talent development in the region.

A milestone for STEM education

The opening of the DLR_School_Lab at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences marks a significant step in promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Upper Lusatia. The facility aims to inspire young people to engage in science and technology at an early stage and demonstrate new educational paths. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board, emphasizes that the lab serves as an important catalyst for discovering talent and opening up career prospects.

A unique learning space

The DLR_School_Lab is located in the Mandau-Höfe in Zittau, a modern center for research and education. Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Sophia Keil, Vice Rector of the university, explains that the school lab offers a unique environment to quench young people’s thirst for knowledge and awaken their curiosity for research. It is a place where scientific thinking is stimulated and perspectives for the future are created.

Importance for the region

The opening ceremony was attended by 300 guests, including prominent figures from politics, science, and society. Saxon State Minister of Culture, Conrad Clemens, noted that the DLR_School_Lab is a symbol of Lusatia and contributes to securing skilled workers in the region. This initiative is expected to offer young people long-term prospects for scientific careers.

A place of inspiration

Saxon State Secretary for Science Prof. Heike Graßmann emphasized that science lays the foundation for solutions of all kinds, and the DLR_School_Lab now offers a place where young people can experience the fascination of science firsthand. Scientific inspiration should accompany not only young people, but people of all ages.

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is known for its innovative educational work and close collaboration with renowned research centers. In cooperation with the German Aerospace Center, it contributes to future-oriented education and the promotion of talent in the region. Both institutions are committed to inspiring young people in science and technology.

New experiments at the DLR_Lab Zittau/Görlitz

The DLR_School_Lab at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences now offers students in grades five to twelve the opportunity to conduct exciting experiments in the STEM subjects of physics, chemistry, and biology. The goal is to introduce young people to key research topics and motivate them to acquire knowledge independently.

Variety of experiments

In the new student laboratory, students can conduct experiments with heat pumps, vacuum, and wind tunnels to better understand physical processes. Chemistry enthusiasts can participate in luminescence experiments, which are often used in forensic science. Various biological experiments are also offered, including sensory perception and the production of alternative materials from renewable resources. A special highlight is the use of a fluorescence microscope.

Role of mentors

Friederike Ogorek, a molecular biotechnology student, is part of the team that supervises the school classes during their experiments. She emphasizes that the mentors interact with the students on an equal level and support them in conducting the experiments independently. In doing so, the mentors also gain valuable educational experience for their future.

Significance of the DLR_School_Lab

The German Aerospace Center (DLR), one of Europe’s largest research institutions, has been successfully operating student laboratories since 2000. The opening at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences marks the 17th laboratory of its kind in Germany. Over 40,000 young people benefit from these offerings annually. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences thus joins a series of renowned partner institutions and has invested significantly in the construction and equipment of the laboratory.

Initiative for the Future of Learning in Upper Lusatia

The DLR_School_Lab is an important component of the educational initiative “Zukunftslernort Oberlausitz” (ZukLOS), which creates new learning and meeting places in the region. The initiative is receiving five million euros in funding from the PMO (Project Management Organization) program, secured by Franziska Schubert of Alliance 90/The Greens in the Saxon State Parliament. The goal is to strengthen STEM education and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is renowned for its groundbreaking research in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, digitalization, and security. With over 10,000 employees, it is one of Europe’s most modern research institutions. The DLR is continuously committed to promoting science education.