University of Geneva

The University of Geneva (French: Université de Genève) is a public research university located in Geneva, Switzerland.

It was founded in 1559 by John Calvin, as a theological seminary and law school. It remained focused on theology until the 17th century, when it became a center for Enlightenment scholarship. In 1873, it dropped its religious affiliations and became officially secular. Today, the university is the second-largest university in Switzerland. It has programs in various fields but is particularly acknowledged for its academic and research programs in international relations (with Geneva being hostess to a dense agglomeration of international organizations), law, astrophysics, astronomy, genetics (with a record of prominent contributions to the fields of planetary science, genetics, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and theology ). The university holds and actively pursues teaching, research, and community service as its primary objectives. In 2009, the University of Geneva celebrated the 450th anniversary of its founding.

The university is a member of the League of European Research Universities. It was ranked 73rd worldwide by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and 69th in the QS World University Rankings in 2011.

Classes are mainly taught in French.


Read more about University Of Geneva:  Degree System, Organization, Nobel Prizes, Other Awards, Notable Scholars, Notable Alumni

Famous quotes containing the words university of, university and/or geneva:

    It is well known, that the best productions of the best human intellects, are generally regarded by those intellects as mere immature freshman exercises, wholly worthless in themselves, except as initiatives for entering the great University of God after death.
    Herman Melville (1819–1891)

    The scholar is that man who must take up into himself all the ability of the time, all the contributions of the past, all the hopes of the future. He must be an university of knowledges.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    Wise men read very sharply all your private history in your look and gait and behavior. The whole economy of nature is bent on expression. The tell-tale body is all tongues. Men are like Geneva watches with crystal faces which expose the whole movement.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)