Paris Cité University

Paris Cité University Overview

Paris Cité University, located in the heart of Paris, France, is a prominent public research institution. Established in 2019 through the merger of Paris Descartes (Paris V) and Paris Diderot (Paris VII) universities, this institution has a rich history rooted in the restructuring of the University of Paris in 1970.

The origin of Paris Cité University can be traced back to 1970 when the University of Paris underwent a significant division. This transformation was initiated by Edgar Faure, the Minister of Education at the time, and involved a reorganization of the university system. This resulted in the emergence of several new universities, each taking over specific faculties from the old University of Paris. Paris V Descartes University played a pivotal role by inheriting the sciences. In the years that followed, these successor universities further developed and contributed significantly to the academic landscape in the Île-de-France region.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, and universities such as Paris III Sorbonne-Nouvelle, Paris V, and Paris VII began to collaborate closely, forming research and higher education clusters. The creation of the Paris Centre Universities association in 2006 marked a significant step towards this collaboration, although initial proposals were not incorporated into the campus plan in 2008. Subsequently, Paris VII became part of the Sorbonne Paris Cité project, which involved several universities and higher education institutions. This project laid the groundwork for the eventual merger that led to the establishment of Paris Cité University in 2019.

In 2017, while Paris III Sorbonne-Nouvelle University and Sciences Po withdrew from the merger project, Paris V and Paris VII universities decided to move forward with the merger, culminating on January 1, 2019. This merger marked a significant milestone in the creation of Paris Cité University. The dissolution of Paris V and Paris VII on January 1, 2020, solidified the merger, with the exception of the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, which retained its legal identity. Christine Clerici was elected President of University of Paris on June 21, 2019, and various Faculty Councils and Vice-Presidents were appointed to support her leadership. However, it's important to note that there was a subsequent legal challenge to the name "University of Paris" by Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas University. This challenge led to a name change, and in March 2022, the institution was officially renamed "Université Paris Cité."

Université Paris Cité is a multidisciplinary institution with four main areas; Legal, economic, and management disciplines, Humanities and social sciences, Science and technology, Health disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing.

The university boasts two main campuses: the Grands-Moulins university campus in the 13th arrondissement and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés university campus in the 6th arrondissement, both strategically located within Paris.

Paris Cité University has forged over 150 partnerships with foreign universities across the globe. These partnerships span five continents and include esteemed institutions like the University of Manchester, University of Warwick, University of Copenhagen, University of Rome, University of Madrid, and many more.

Over the years, Paris Cité University has produced Nobel and Fields laureates, including George Fitzgerald Smoot (Nobel in Physics, 2006), Jean Dausset (Nobel in Physiology or Medicine, 1980), Artur Avila (Fields Medal, 2014), and Laurent Schwartz (Fields Medal, 1950).

The university has prioritized research, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. It has established numerous graduate schools covering a wide array of fields, including life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities. These graduate schools offer advanced degrees and promote cross-disciplinary teaching, research, and international collaboration.

Paris Cité University has cultivated strong partnerships with institutions worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America. The university has established international laboratories and joint units with renowned organizations such as CNRS, Inserm, IRD, and IPGP, fostering collaborative research endeavors. Paris Cité University is committed to facilitating access for international students through various scholarship programs, including the prestigious Eiffel Excellence Program and the SMARTS-UP program, which promote internationalization and attract top talents from around the world.

The university actively supports technology transfer and innovation, resulting in the emergence of startups like Everzom, Ermium Therapeutics, and Carboneo, which have roots in its laboratories. These initiatives bridge the gap between academia and industry, promoting entrepreneurship among students and researchers.

Université Paris Cité is dedicated to inclusivity and support for all students, including those with disabilities. Specialized assistance and exam facilities are provided at the Odéon and Grands Moulins sites. Alongside this commitment, the university offers affordable cultural events, an annual "Welcome Week" for international students, various sports and physical activities, accommodation assistance, and extensive library resources. These enriching experiences contribute to a holistic student journey, promoting personal growth, cultural engagement, physical well-being, and academic success within a diverse and vibrant student community.