- History,
A history that structures the regional academic landscape
Published on March 23, 2017 – Updated on October 23, 2017
When the School was created under the name IPO (Institut Polytechnique de l'OuestI), it was the only scientific higher education institution in the region, alongside the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce (now Audencia Business School). To begin with, it conferred its diploma under the authority of the University of Rennes. Yet, as early as 1927, the School was already conferring its first PhDs, still under the authority of the University of Rennes.
The University of Nantes, founded in 1460, began without significant support. A few decades later only the law faculty was still running, only to disappear itself in 1735. The University did not reopen until 1961. This very long interruption weighed heavily on the city's relations with higher education. Yet, higher education institutions emerged over the centuries: a naval school, a public notary school, some medical and pharmacy courses ... and the IPO.
The University of Nantes, founded in 1460, began without significant support. A few decades later only the law faculty was still running, only to disappear itself in 1735. The University did not reopen until 1961. This very long interruption weighed heavily on the city's relations with higher education. Yet, higher education institutions emerged over the centuries: a naval school, a public notary school, some medical and pharmacy courses ... and the IPO.
This historical framework explains the content of the training provided by today at Centrale Nantes. Its initial focus on mechanics, (highlighted in its new name ENSM - Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique as of 1948), marked its association with regional industrial development. The transformation in 1991 to Ecole Centrale de Nantes reflected a broadening of the curriculum - the school today trains versatile engineers equipped with a strong scientific and technical culture, capable of placing scientific subjects into a global context incorporating environmental and societal issues.