How does a theoretical project management concept become a real-world event? Seven students from the master's degree programs in Logistics Management and Business Administration / Company Management at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences are taking on this challenge: As part of the “Logistics Research Project” module, they are organizing a symposium on drones on October 9 and 10, as well as the 1st Bernburg FPV Drone Race. Anyone interested is cordially invited to attend.
Symposium on Drones on Friday
The event kicks off on Friday, October 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the “UAS in Sports Symposium” in the Council Hall at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences’ Campus Bernburg. Featuring presentations and insights into various fields of application, the program is aimed at university faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as high school seniors interested in drone technologies and potential career opportunities. Anyone interested in the topic—even those who have had little prior exposure to drones and would like to familiarize themselves with the technology—is also welcome.
For example, the event will showcase various applications of drones in Agriculture: from assisting with fieldwork to rescuing fawns.
1st Bernburg FPV Drone Race on Saturday
On Saturday, October 10, it’s time to get hands-on: From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., pilots will compete against each other in the 1st Bernburg FPV Drone Race. Qualifying rounds and the finals will take place on the grounds of the Bergschützengesellschaft Bernburg 1891 e. V., directly across from the Campus Bernburg of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. Pilots are currently still being sought for the race.
Anyone who wants to compete must bring their own racing drone and meet the specified prerequisites. These include the required EU drone pilot’s license to operate the drone, as well as valid drone liability insurance. Participation is free of charge. The exact technical requirements and conditions of participation are listed during registration.
From a Seminar Paper to Their Own Event
Behind the two-day event lies a project that the seven students have been working on for months. Hans Helmbold is a research assistant in the Department of Economics and is supervising the students as they bring the project to life. “This is project management in action. It’s particularly important to us that the students apply what they’ve learned in theory to a real-world project and gain their own practical experience in the process,” says Helmbold.
The concrete planning began in April during the summer semester, initially as part of a seminar paper. Maximilian Deubeler is one of the seven master’s students who are jointly organizing and implementing the project. “Building on this theoretical foundation, we developed the project step by step and applied many concepts in very concrete ways: from project management to marketing to event organization,” says Deubeler.
What this means in practice is evident from the many tasks the team must handle on its own: developing a realistic timeline, determining budget requirements, exploring financing options, and applying for grants. It was also necessary to draft an application for the event that would meet the approval requirements of the higher aviation and aviation security authority. At the same time, the team must design the symposium’s content, recruit speakers, and prepare for the drone race. Safety requirements, technical equipment, timekeeping, and rules are just as much a part of the process as marketing and participant management.
The student team receives technical support from the Air Monkeys interest group in Osnabrück. The group has experience with drone races and supports both the symposium and the preparation and execution of the race. It contributes technical expertise, advises on timing and rules, and provides the necessary equipment.
Drones as a Research Focus in the Master’s Program
The project also highlights a research focus within the Master’s program in Logistics Management: drones and their potential applications. Through the symposium and race, the university aims to show prospective students the current and practical topics they can explore during their Master’s studies.
Those interested in a master’s program in Logistics Management at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences can apply for the summer semester of 2027 from November 15, 2026, through March 15, 2027. The degree program is offered at the Campus Bernburg and can be started in either the summer or winter semester. For more information, visit: www.hs-anhalt.de/mlo
At a Glance
UAS in Sports Symposium
Friday, October 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Council Hall at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Campus Bernburg
1st Bernburg FPV Drone Race
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Qualifying races and finals
at the grounds of the Bergschützengesellschaft Bernburg 1891 e. V., directly across from the Campus Bernburg
