UniverSud Paris facts for kids

UniverSud Paris was a special group of universities and research centers in France. It brought together 21 public universities, famous schools called Grandes Écoles, and national research centers. This group covered almost all areas of science, from basic science to engineering and business. UniverSud Paris was active from 2007 until it closed down in 2014.

History of UniverSud Paris

In 1991, the French government decided to create special groups for research and higher education. These groups were called "French Poles of Research and Higher Education." They aimed to bring different schools and research places together.

In 2007, UniverSud Paris became an official public organization. It was led by a president and a team of helpers. A board of directors managed the group. This board included representatives from each school and research center. It also had researchers, teachers, and even a student representative.

Member Schools and Institutes

UniverSud Paris included many well-known schools and research places. Most of these were public and had been around for a long time. Some were founded as far back as the 1700s.

Some schools offered a wide range of science education. Examples include École Polytechnique, École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, and École Centrale Paris. Other places focused on specific science areas. These included École Supérieure d'Électricité and the French particle accelerator. The famous business school HEC Paris was also part of UniverSud Paris.

Here are some of the schools and institutes that were members:

• Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences (AgroParisTech), started in 2007.
• National Veterinary School of Alfort, founded in 1765.
• National School of Landscape (ENSP), started in 1965.
• National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), founded in 1946.
• National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture, started in 1981.
• French agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), founded in 1999.
• Télécom & Management Sud-Paris, started in 1979.
• Genoscope (French National Sequencing Center), founded in 1996.
• National School of Computer Science for Industry and Business (ENSIIE), started in 1968.
• HEC - Paris, founded in 1881.
• École Polytechnique (X), founded in 1794.
• Higher School of Optics (IOGS), founded in 1917.
• National School of Architecture of Versailles, started in 1969.
• SOLEIL (French particle accelerator), founded in 2006.
• Institute of Research for Development (IRD), founded in 1943.
• Paris-Sud 11 University, founded in 1971.
• Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, founded in 1991.
• University of Évry Val d'Essonne, founded in 1991.
• École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, founded in 1880.
• École Centrale Paris, founded in 1829.
• École supérieure d'électricité (Supélec), founded in 1894.

Key Facts and Figures

UniverSud Paris was a very active and successful group. It had many impressive achievements during its time.

Here are some interesting facts about UniverSud Paris:

• 3 Nobel Prizes were awarded to people connected with the group.
• 4 Fields Medals were also awarded. This is a top award in mathematics.
• 1 Galien Prize was received.
• About 60,000 students were studying there.
• There were 4,200 full-time teachers and researchers.
• Around 4,000 PhD students were working on their advanced degrees.
• There were 30 special schools for PhD students.
• About 42,000 square meters of space were used for research.

Locations of the Institutions

UniverSud Paris brought together 21 different schools and research places. These were all located in the southern part of the Île-de-France region, near Paris.

The group was started by several universities. These included Paris-Sud 11 University, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, and University of Évry Val d'Essonne. Other founding members were Ecole Centrale Paris, Supelec, and École normale supérieure Paris-Saclay.

Education Programs Offered

UniverSud Paris offered many different types of courses. These were mainly in science and technology. Students could earn various degrees, often working with other institutions.

Here are some of the main programs that were available:

• Bachelor's Degrees: These were undergraduate degrees. For some professional bachelor's degrees, students needed to pass an exam. This was for those who already had a two-year higher education diploma.
• Master's Degrees: These programs helped students gain deep knowledge in many science fields. Topics ranged from Mathematics to Economics. Students usually needed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree to apply. Each school had its own specific rules for admission.
• Post-Master Professional Certificates (Mastères spécialisés): These programs allowed students who already had a Master's degree to become experts in a specific area.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration): This was a full-time business degree. It was highly ranked for helping students work internationally.
• Doctoral Programs (PhD): UniverSud Paris had many laboratories where 4,000 doctoral students worked. Students enrolled for their PhD through the specific school or institute where their research was based.
• Continuing Education: UniverSud Paris also offered courses for professionals. These courses helped people already working to get new degrees. These included degrees like Ingénieur, Master, Specialized Master, or Doctorate.