Lusatia is a region shaped by the post-socialist upheaval following 1989/90, the current structural change and far-reaching social transformations. Against this backdrop, Prof. Dr Raj Kollmorgen and Raffael Hermann (TRAWOS Institute, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences) were guests at the TransformationsLABOR on the Sachsendorf Campus on 13 July 2026.

The event centred on the question of how developments in Lusatia can be understood from the perspective of the sociology of transformation. Prof. Kollmorgen provided substantive input, in which he described transformations as long-term and complex processes of social reconfiguration, shaped by the interplay of historical development trajectories, regional contexts and generational experiences. Against this backdrop, current challenges facing Lusatia – such as the ongoing transformation processes (structural change resulting from the phase-out of coal and the aftermath of reunification), demographic shifts and political polarisation – were discussed. The role of social work was also addressed, particularly with regard to its potential to support local processes of social change.

The TransformationsLABOR offers students, staff and guests a space for interdisciplinary exchange on processes of social transformation. In the winter semester 2026/2027, the series of events will continue with topics such as structural change and rural areas, the systemic upheaval of 1989/90, transformation and right-wing extremism, and socio-ecological transformation.