Institut Universitaire de France

The Institut Universitaire de France (IUF, Academic Institute of France), is a service of the French Ministry of Higher Education that distinguishes each year a small number of university professors for their research excellence, as evidenced by their international recognition. It was created to become a new "Collège de France", located in French universities. Only 2% of French university professors have been currently distinguished by the Institut Universitaire de France. Organization The Institute was created by decree on 26 of August, 1991. It is an organization without walls, whose members remain in their own universities. At least two thirds of the members of the IUF belong to universities outside Paris. The purpose of the IUF is to give full freedom to its members to pursue and disseminate their research. About 2% of total French faculties are members (active or honorary) of the IUF. Each year a symposium brings together members of the IUF in order to allow exchanges at the highest level of French research. The IUF is composed of two types of members, all faculty members, professors or lecturers, posted in a French university: Senior Members, who have reached international recognition; Junior Members (under 40 years old), who are promising young scholars. In addition, about ten foreign teachers may be invited each year. Members are elected for five years (not renewable for junior members, renewable once for senior members).