A new drinking fountain opens at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg!

A new drinking fountain opens at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg!

On May 27, 2025, an exciting event took place at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg: the opening of a new marble drinking fountain. President Prof. Dr. Gesine Grande handed over this special fountain, which enables members and guests of the university to enjoy high-quality water from the Lusatian glacial valley. Those present included District Administrator Siegurd Heinze, Mayor Andreas Pfeiffer and other important personalities such as Fred Frahnow and Christoph Maschek.

The new drinking fountain was one of the highlights of the day-long “Open Senftenberg Day” event, which the university selected as one of the three central event points. Around 1,000 visitors experienced a varied program with over 40 offers that took place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This number of visitors grew compared to the previous year, which underlines the increasing interest in the BTU.

Diverse program items for all age groups

The highlights included various activities and program items. 405 visitors were counted in the on-site library. Particular attention was paid to the smoothie bike, on which 250 guests, mostly young people, actively pedaled. The high demand for degree programs was also an issue, particularly in primary school teaching and in health-related fields of study such as nursing and midwifery.

The student union stand offered information about BAföG and student housing, while the therapeutic sciences laboratory building attracted more than 200 interested people. Dr. Barbara Hansen and other biotechnology scientists carried out experiments and were very well received by visitors.

The offers under the motto “Fascination of Chemistry” and the 3D printing of orthoses were particularly in demand. The high-voltage laboratory thrilled visitors with its hourly experiments, which were accompanied by technical explanations. The student team Lausitz Dynamics also presented their energy-saving vehicle for the Shell Eco-marathon Europe.

Interactive experiences and information

The Center for Student Recruitment and Study Preparation supplemented the program with a robot course, a virtual biology laboratory, 3D chocolate printing and a math quiz. The interactive attractions also included the humanoid robot AMI and robot dogs that interacted with visitors.

Highlights for families included the children's university workshop on first aid and the e-mule rides. NABU Senftenberg offered a water running ball pool, which was also very well received. Information stands from Stadtwerke Senftenberg, the municipal housing company and Partnership for Democracy presented themselves to the public.

The positive feedback from visitors confirmed the success of the event. Students and the Lausitzer Biotech e.V. took care of the physical well-being and offered a wide range of food and drinks on campus. The next study information day will take place on July 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cottbus central campus and will offer, among other things, information about study programs, dual study programs, study conditions and financing options.

The open day, which addresses students, teachers and parents, is dovetailed with the Future Day for boys and girls in Brandenburg. There is a focus on scientific and technical careers, which strengthens the integration of education and professional orientation. Further information about these programs is available on the Studium-in-brandenburg.de website and complements the comprehensive information offering of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the State of Brandenburg.

Overall, the “Senftenberg Open Day” impressively demonstrated how diverse and committed the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is and what important role it plays in the region’s educational landscape.