For nearly seven centuries, Université Grenoble Alpes has accompanied society's major transformations. Its history began neither with the major laboratories of the 20th century nor with the scientific infrastructure that makes it famous today. It started in 1339, when the Dauphin Humbert II founded the University of Grenoble to provide the Dauphiné region with its own university. Since then, a shared ambition has run through the generations: to produce, transmit, and share knowledge to understand the world, educate citizens, and build the future.
The seal and motto of the "Université Grenoble Alpes " since 1339.
Over the centuries, this ambition has been embodied in numerous scientific, educational, and societal innovations. From the creation of the Faculty of Law by Napoleon I to the rise of the sciences, humanities, and languages; from the invention of the “Grenoble model”—which brings together the university, research, and industry—to the creation of the Saint-Martin-d’Hères campus, each period has helped shape a university that remains attuned to the challenges of its time.
Today, Université Grenoble Alpes continues this history by bringing together academic units, national research organizations, and socio-economic partners within an integrated model unique in France, to advance knowledge, nurture talent, and develop solutions for society.
Key Dates
2024 - The "Université Grenoble Alpes " Becomes a "Grand établissement"
Université Grenoble Alpes has adopted the status of a Grand Établissement (major institution), which consolidates its integrated model, strengthens its capacity to coordinate the academic and scientific forces on campus, and provides the means to pursue a shared strategy in education, research, and innovation.
2020 - A unique integrated model in France
Université Grenoble Alpes has become an experimental public institution bringing together a university, Grandes Écoles, and research organizations around a shared strategy. Grenoble INP-UGA, Sciences Po Grenoble-UGA, and Ensag-UGA have become component institutions.
The new institution thus embodies a unique model that integrates education, research, and innovation.
2016 - A Unified University
The three universities in Grenoble—Joseph Fourier University (Grenoble 1, UJF), Pierre-Mendès-France University (Grenoble 2, UPMF), and Stendhal University (Grenoble 3)—are merging. The new university is now called Université Grenoble Alpes.
2014 - A Joint Scientific Statement
Institutions are strengthening their integration through the creation of the " Université Grenoble Alpes " Community (Comue) and the adoption of a common scientific signature.
2009 - A Common Strategy
Establishment of the Research and Higher Education Cluster (PRES), which coordinates collaboration in the areas of research, education, and regional attractiveness.
1989 - Development in Valence
Opening of the Stendhal University Center for Valence .
1972 - A Campus Built Collectively
Establishment of the first inter-institutional organization dedicated to managing the campus and the Grenoble University Press.
1969–1971 — The universities in Grenoble begin to flourish
The faculties were reorganized into three discipline-based universities (Grenoble 1, Grenoble 2, and Grenoble 3), while the Grenoble Institute of Technology was established.
1962
The Science Campus Takes Shape on the Polygon Grounds.
The cornerstone was laid for the first building on the Saint-Martin-d’Hères campus—the Applied Mathematics Building—which was to house Jean Kuntzmann’s IBM computer.
1956 - Grenoble Enters the Age of Research
The establishment of the Grenoble Center for Nuclear Studies, directed by Louis Néel, marked a major turning point in the region's scientific development.
1927
Establishment of France's seventh Regional School of Architecture in Grenoble, since renamed the National School of Architecture of Grenoble
1896 - The University's Rebirth
The Decentralization Decree reestablished the University of Grenoble as one of France's sixteen universities. It was inaugurated by President Félix Faure in 1897.
1894
- Creation of the Lautaret Alpine Garden.
1806
- Founding of the Grenoble School of Law.
1542
- Reestablishment of the University of Grenoble at the request of the Dauphiné Parliament and the city’s municipal magistrates.
1452
- Abolition of the University of Grenoble and establishment of the University of Valence by the Dauphin Louis II (the future King Louis XI).
1339
- The University of Grenoble was founded by the Dauphin Humbert II. Classes were held in rented rooms on Place Saint-André. The university’s activities quickly declined at the end of the 14th century.
