Université des Antilles et de la Guyane

Université des Antilles et de la Guyane (UAG) was a French university that served the French overseas departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. Established in 1982, it was a pivotal institution in the French Caribbean for higher education and research until its restructuring in 2015. The university played a significant role in the educational and cultural development of the French West Indies and Guyana, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including the sciences, humanities, law, and medicine.

History

The Université des Antilles et de la Guyane was created through the merger of several smaller institutions and campuses in the French overseas territories, aiming to consolidate higher education resources and provide comprehensive education and research opportunities in the region. Over the years, UAG expanded its academic offerings and established itself as a center for academic excellence in the Caribbean.

In 2015, due to administrative and academic challenges, the university was restructured into two separate entities: the Université des Antilles (UA), serving Guadeloupe and Martinique, and the Université de Guyane for French Guiana. This division was intended to better address the specific needs and development goals of each territory.

Campuses

UAG had campuses in three locations:

• The Guadeloupe campus, which focused on a wide array of disciplines including law, economics, and medicine.
• The Martinique campus, known for its strong programs in humanities, science, and technology.
• The French Guiana campus, which specialized in biodiversity, environmental studies, and space sciences, reflecting its unique geographical and ecological context.

Academic Programs

The university offered a diverse range of programs across various levels of study. These included:

• Bachelor's degrees in fields such as biology, chemistry, law, economics, and literature.
• Master's degrees, offering advanced studies in specialized areas including environmental science, public health, and engineering.
• Doctoral programs, fostering research in disciplines like tropical ecology, space science, and cultural studies.

Research and Development

Research was a cornerstone of UAG's mission, with the university hosting several research units and laboratories. These facilities conducted important research in areas relevant to the Caribbean and tropical regions, such as marine biology, tropical medicine, and sustainable development. The university's research efforts were supported by collaborations with local and international institutions, contributing to global knowledge while focusing on issues of regional significance.

Impact and Legacy

The Université des Antilles et de la Guyane significantly contributed to the educational, social, and economic development of the French Caribbean and Guyana. It provided access to higher education for thousands of students from the region and beyond, fostering a generation of professionals, academics, and leaders. The restructuring of UAG into the Université des Antilles and the Université de Guyane marks a new chapter in higher education for the French overseas territories, building on the legacy of UAG to meet the evolving needs of their communities.