The University of Caen Normandy (UNICAEN) is a major player of and a driving force for the development of higher education and research in Normandy. UNICAEN is a member of the Normandie Université community of universities and institutions.
A multi-disciplinary university with over 32,000 students in 12 departments, UNICAEN offers diplomas that are recognised and controlled by the French state and transferable to many European countries thanks to bachelor-master-PhD system. The university also offers a range of vocational training courses to meet different needs for all types of audience: degree courses, specific short courses, tailor-made courses and qualifications. With a department 100% dedicated to continuing education and apprenticeships, responsible for providing day-to-day support to teaching units, the socio-economic world and institutional partners, UNICAEN is a key player in lifelong learning.
With an ambitious research agenda, UNICAEN is home to 41 research units, 21 of which are accredited by major organisations (CNRS, INRAE, INSERM, CEA). It has a department dedicated to the development and transfer of technology, as well as specific units dedicated to conceive national, European and international projects.
A historical monument
Founded in 1432 by the King of England Henry VI, the University of Caen was destroyed in 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. It was one of the first buildings to be rebuilt during the city’s reconstruction after World War II.
The reconstruction of the University started in 1948 under the authority of President Pierre Daure and the new campus was inaugurated in 1957 in the presence of the Minister of Education and other personalities from all over the world. The President called on the services of architect Henry Bernard to build the new campus in the style of modern Anglo-Saxon campuses.
After the war, the University rose like a Phoenix from its ashes. Redesigned with such a futuristic vision, the University became one of the most modern universities in Europe. In 2012, some of its buildings were classified as historical monuments.
An attractive region
At UNICAEN, you can treat yourself to all of the Normandy region’s perks, such as the coastline, its proximity to the United Kingdom, fast and easy access to Paris and cultural attractions and sporting activities.
The region also has a strong cultural tradition that is illustrated both by major international events (celebrations of the Normandy Landing of the Second World War, international equestrian competitions, the Grande Armada, etc.) and by the diversity of its heritage (Mont Saint Michel – 8th Wonder of the World, the Château de Caen, the Memorial for Peace, impressionist painting, etc.)
Managing institute of the SIG ECUME
UNICAEN is the host institute and legal bearer of the the SIG ECUME. As such, UNICAEN provides the legal and financial support for the GIS, as well as coordinating and organising its events.
UNICAEN participates in the scientific activities of the SIG through two research laboratories: the M2C laboratory and the IDEES laboratory.
The Continental and Coastal Morphodynamics laboratory (M2C) is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 6143) attached to the CNRS, the University of Caen Normandy and the University of Rouen Normandy. The M2C is a fundamental and applied research laboratory with 50 permanent staff, including 33 researchers/teaching-researchers (approximately 90 people including PhD students, post-docs, contract staff and trainees). The laboratory has two sites, Caen and Rouen. It is a member of the INSU Ecce Terra Observatory, the CNRS SCALE Research Federation and the Coastal Environment Research Centre of the University of Caen Normandy. Its areas of expertise are Geosciences and Environmental Sciences, built around staff affiliated to three different supervisory bodies (CNRS, University of Caen Normandy and the University of Rouen Normandy).
The IDEES Caen laboratory conducts research into the relationship between nature and society in the context of global and climate change. In collaboration with various institutes (INEE, INSHS, INSERM, INSU, etc.), IDEES Caen carries out research projects on:
