The Academy of Neuchatel was founded in 1838. It owes its birth not only to the strong political will to provide the region with a high quality educational establishment, but also to the geologist and paleontologist Louis Agassiz who made significant scientific advances at the time. In 1866, the Academy was comprised of the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Law, as well as some high school level institutions. In 1873, the Faculty of Theology was added. By decree of the Grand Council of 18 May 1909, the Academy of Neuchatel was officially established as the University of Neuchatel http://www.universitieshandbook.com/
