Research creates perspectives: Nikolai Belov (HSZG)
June 2026
Dr. Nikolay Belov has been a research associate at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences since 2025, working in the SCO-TTi team under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil. The physicist received his doctorate from the
Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg and subsequently worked for several years as a developer, researcher, and project manager at Fraunhofer IVI, including on the European MAGPIE project and in the field of vehicle automation (helyOS).
Who are you and what are you currently working on or researching?
My background is in theoretical physics, but I gradually transitioned from applied mathematics and numerical simulations into the world of "practical problems"—that is, problems that can no longer be solved elegantly on paper.
Before joining the university, I worked for several years at the Fraunhofer IVI, focusing on automation in automotive engineering. There, I learned that while equations behave perfectly, real-world systems occasionally have a mind of their own.
Currently, I'm working at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences on topics such as smart factories, smart cities, the semiconductor industry, and logistics. Essentially, it's about taming mathematical models to the point where they actually help us in real life and don't just look good on paper.
Why did you come to the region and what convinced you to work here?
The decision to come to Zittau was quite logical for me – I wanted to apply my experience in mathematics, numerical analysis, and automation to new fields, and the university offers precisely this opportunity. What
particularly convinced me was the combination of practice-oriented research with current technological developments – for example, in the areas of digitalization, intelligent systems, and industrial transformation.
How did you experience your arrival and what do you like about living in the region?
I've been living in Upper Lusatia for some time now, so the culture shock was minimal. I particularly appreciate the proximity to nature. The peaceful surroundings help me concentrate on scientific questions and develop new ideas.
At the same time, the region offers a high quality of life and a pleasant balance between work and leisure.
What makes the science region around Zittau/Görlitz special from your point of view?
The region has something rarely found in research: space for intellectual exploration combined with excellent global connections.
Its proximity to Dresden and Berlin, as well as to Poland and the Czech Republic, creates numerous opportunities for collaboration. At the same time, a vibrant research landscape is emerging here, encompassing several institutions.
I see it as a bit of a successful experiment: the surrounding conditions are calm, but the interactions are international.
What I find particularly exciting about my work here is the direct link between theory and practice. It's a great feeling when an abstract equation eventually becomes a solution to a real-world problem – and not just a nice derivation in a notebook.
And a personal tip for newcomers: Don't underestimate how far you can get with a walk and a good idea. In Upper Lusatia, both work surprisingly well.
About the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) has been a key scientific institution in the tri-border region of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic since 1992, serving as a bridge between Central and Eastern Europe. Its academic focus lies in the fields of energy and the environment, transformation processes in business and society, and materials, structures, and surfaces. Interdisciplinary research, close collaboration between faculties, and international partnerships shape its profile and promote the transfer of knowledge into practice and the region.
With campuses in Zittau and Görlitz, HSZG stands for short distances, intensive student support, and strong regional and international networks. As part of its strategic development, it is actively shaping the "University of the Future" and providing impetus for sustainable innovation.
Text: Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
This portrait was created in cooperation with Hi!Lusatia eV as part of the exhibition “Hi!Lusatia – Research creates perspectives” in the Brüderstraße Gallery in Görlitz.
