Transitioning from urban surroundings to structural transformation: University Halle establishes a new campus in Zeitz
June 2025, 1:49 PM
The University of Halle-Wittenberg takes a two-pronged approach by establishing a new base in Zeitz: bolstering regional transformation initiatives and fostering connections with the local community.
On the beat with WISSEN
Stepping into the scene: The University of Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) has unveiled a new offshoot in the Thuringian town of Zeitz. The projects launched here serve to work hand-in-hand with residents to develop solutions for the hurdles of structural change.
Breaking free from the Ivory Tower
Jonathan Everts, a human geographer at MLU, shared his thoughts with our culture-focused website KULTUR: "We're frequently seen as a distant, ivory tower university. People think we're only concerned with lofty research. It's crucial to show them otherwise and prove we're committed to the region, not just dropping by occasionally to gather data or pose a few questions." Instead, the university aims to forge a lasting relationship with Zeitz.
New Digs
Probing Prof. Dr. Jonathan Everts: Why a University of Halle Branch in Zeitz?
Prof. Dr. Jonathan Everts: Why a University of Halle Branch in Zeitz?
Our website KULTUR Radio, June 4, 2025, 1:30 PM
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According to Everts, the branch is open to everyone, offering a forum for queries. These inquiries don't have to pertain to Zeitz's projects or structural change matters. The location is intended for students eyeing the university or curious citizens eager to engage with it.
Regional Change Projects on Home Turf
"We won't fix every issue facing the region, but there are several intriguing challenges where we'd like to play a part as a university," Everts stated before the launch. "And we're achieving this by immerse ourselves in areas like workforce development and inventive technologies."
The Zeitz office will soon host employees from three MLU structural change projects: the "European Center of Just Transition Research and Impact-Driven Transfer" (JTC), the "Agency for Breakthrough", and the "Reallabor ZEKIWA Zeitz" project. The center aims to swiftly translate research findings into practical application — for example, via publications or partnerships with local entities. The JTC is slated to receive around 21.5 million euros from the EU's Just Transition Fund.
Through the "Agency for Breakthrough", the university plans to devise creative solutions to strengthen social cohesion in Central Germany and foster a common vision of the future. As part of the "Reallabor ZEKIWA Zeitz" consortium, future-oriented and sustainable urban development methods will be experimented with.
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Our website KULTUR Radio | Culture Clash | June 4, 2025, 1:30 PM
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Key Takeaways:
➡️ Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) has ventured into Zeitz, planning to work more intimately with residents in southern Saxony-Anhalt and mold the regional transformation process.➡️ MLU seeks to dispel the notion that research is archaic by demonstrating it can contribute practically to local challenges through long-term presence and open dialogue with the populace.➡️ The Zeitz outpost welcomes everyone, not just project participants, including students interested in the university or citizens aiming to connect with it.➡️ Several projects are active in the area, tackling topics like workforce development, technological innovations, social cohesion, and sustainable urban growth.➡️ The "European Center of Just Transition" brings in around 21.5 million euros from the EU Just Transition Fund and strives to translate research discoveries into immediate action.
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Behind the Scenes:Universities often embark on such initiatives to reinforce their commitment to regional growth and community engagement. Here's a glimpse into how they often approach these ventures:
University Branch Operations
- Community Collaboration: Universities generally emphasize partnerships with local residents, businesses, community groups, and government entities to tackle regional problems together.
- Specialized Education and Research: University branches may provide customized academic programs catering to local needs, as well as research projects targeting specific regional challenges.
- Long-term Partnership: Such branch campuses aim to establish lasting relationships with the community, ensuring continuous support and collaboration.
- Accessibility: To foster greater connection, these branches often provide open forums for questions and discussions, inviting all community members to engage.
For comprehensive details about the University of Halle-Wittenberg's Zeitz branch, it's best to consult the university's official communications or reach out to them directly.
In an effort to break free from the ivory tower image, the University of Halle-Wittenberg has established a new branch in Zeitz aimed at lifelong learning and education-and-self-development. This online-education initiative invites everyone, including students and curious citizens, to engage with the university and explore learning opportunities related to workforce development, innovative technologies, social cohesion, and sustainable urban growth. The branch will host several projects, such as the "European Center of Just Transition Research and Impact-Driven Transfer" (JTC), the "Agency for Breakthrough", and the "Reallabor ZEKIWA Zeitz" project, which will work towards solving regional challenges, fostering connections, and driving transformation.
