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History

History of the University of Basel
Inaugural ceremony at the Basler Minster: Bishop Johann von Venningen names Georg von Andlau (kneeling on the left) first Rector on 4 April 1460 and hands Mayor Hans von Flachslanden the deed of foundation.

As the oldest university in Switzerland, the University of Basel has a fascinating history of teaching and research going back over 550 years.

Chronology

Year
Event
Year
1460
Event
The University of Basel celebrates its founding at Basel Minster.
Year
1527
Event
The doctor, alchemist and philosopher Paracelsus teaches as a professor of medicine.
Year
1588
Event

An anatomic theater and “hortus medicus” (the future botanical garden) are built.

Year
1590
Event
Expansion of the University Library with the addition of 2700 books from the former cloister libraries.
Year
1661
Event
Together with the University, the City of Basel purchases a private collection of artwork, objects and books. The collection known as the Amerbach Kabinett is made available to the public in 1671.
Year
1798
Event
The University is put under the control of the Department of Education(Erziehungsrat).
Year
1822
Event
The University begins publishing its course directory in German instead of Latin.
Year
1869
Event
Friedrich Nietzsche takes on the professorship for classical philology.
Year
1890
Event
Emilie Louise Frey is the first woman admitted to study (medicine) at the University.
Year
1939
Event
The University gets a new Main Building at Petersplatz.
Year
1950
Event
Tadeusz Reichstein, professor of organic chemistry, receives the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Year
1965
Event
The new University Library building is completed.
Year
1971
Event
The new Biozentrum provides an interdisciplinary center for the life sciences.
Year
1978
Event
Microbiologist and geneticist Werner Arber receives the Nobel prize in Medicine.
Year
1996
Event
The University separates from the cantonal administrative body.
Year
2003
Event
The Faculty of Psychology is founded, making it the seventh faculty at the University of Basel.
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