Université Pierre et Marie Curie

France's largest medical and scientific complex was set up in 1971 following the break-up of the old University of Paris, although it can trace its roots back to 1109 and the Abbey of St Victor. With 120 research units on 33 sites, it has a 30,000-strong student body, including 3,500 doctoral students, which is served by around 3,250 academics.