# Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe

> research institute in France

**Wikidata**: [Q19945100](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19945100)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institut_de_recherche_sur_les_lois_fondamentales_de_l'Univers)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-for-research-on-the-fundamental-laws-of-the-universe

## Summary
The Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe (IRFU) is a French research institute located in Gif-sur-Yvette, established in 1991. It is part of the Direction of Fundamental Research within the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and focuses on fundamental physics research.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1991.
- Located in Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
- Functions as a research institute within the Direction des sciences de la matière (DSM) of the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
- Official identifiers include ISNI 0000000406190319, ROR ID 05k705z76, and Wikidata entity Q3144107.
- Operates under the website https://irfu.cea.fr (French language).
- Known by aliases including IRFU, CEA DSM IRFU, Institut de recherche sur les lois fondamentales de l'univers, and DAPNIA.
- Coordinates: Latitude 48.723333333333336, Longitude 2.1486111111111112.
- Street Address: CEA/Saclay, 91191.

## FAQs
### Q: Where is the Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe located?
A: The institute is located in Gif-sur-Yvette, France, specifically at the CEA/Saclay site, with the postal address 91191.

### Q: When was the Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe founded?
A: The institute was founded in 1991.

### Q: What is the parent organization of the Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe?
A: The institute is part of the Direction des sciences de la matière (DSM) of the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).

### Q: What are the official names and common aliases for this institute?
A: The official name is "Institut de recherche sur les lois fondamentales de l'univers". Common aliases include IRFU, CEA DSM IRFU, and DAPNIA.

## Why It Matters
The Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe (IRFU) plays a crucial role in advancing fundamental physics research within France's premier public research organization, the CEA. As part of the Direction des sciences de la matière, it contributes significantly to understanding the universe's most fundamental laws, covering areas like particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics, and cosmology. Its work provides the scientific foundation for technological developments and positions France as a key player in international research endeavors addressing profound questions about matter, energy, space, and time. IRFU's research outputs directly inform both academic knowledge and potential future applications in energy and security.

## Notable For
*   Its status as the primary institute within the CEA dedicated to fundamental research in physics (particle, astrophysics, nuclear, cosmology).
*   Being located at the historic CEA/Saclay research center near Paris, a major hub for nuclear and fundamental physics research.
*   The use of the specific historical name "DAPNIA" (Département d'Astrophysique, de Physique des Particules et de Physique Nucléaire et de l'Interaction) as one of its aliases.
*   Its coordination of large-scale national and international research projects in fundamental physics due to its CEA affiliation and expertise.
*   Hosting the French national research structure identifier 199118599K.

## Body
### Identification & Location
*   **Full Name:** Institut de recherche sur les lois fondamentales de l'univers
*   **Common Name:** IRFU
*   **Aliases:** CEA DSM IRFU, DAPNIA
*   **Country:** France
*   **City/Location:** Gif-sur-Yvette
*   **Street Address:** CEA/ Saclay, 91191 (Postal qualifier)
*   **Geographic Coordinates:** 48.723333333333336°N, 2.1486111111111112°E

### Institutional Structure
*   **Type:** Research Institute (Instance of)
*   **Parent Organization 1:** Direction des sciences de la matière (DSM) of CEA
*   **Parent Organization 2:** Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)
*   **Higher-level unit:** Direction de la recherche fondamentale (Direction of Fundamental Research) within CEA

### Identifiers & Presence
*   **ISNI:** 0000000406190319 (Referenced from Q28527677)
*   **ROR ID:** grid.457342.3
*   **GRID ID:** grid.457342.3
*   **VIAF ID:** 310683566
*   **IDREF ID:** 18202492X
*   **HAL Structure ID:** 53946 (Referenced from Q3144107, as of 2019-05-07)
*   **French National Research Structure ID:** 199118599K (Referenced from Q51077216)
*   **Ringgold ID:** 123971 (Referenced from Q64159407)
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11b7nx4lz3
*   **Wikipedia Title:** Institut de recherche sur les lois fondamentales de l'univers
*   **Wikipedia Languages:** English (en), French (fr)
*   **Wikidata Description:** research institute in France
*   **Sitelink Count:** 2
*   **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8353279/
*   **Twitter:** CEAIrfu
*   **Facebook:** CEA.Saclay.centre
*   **Website:** https://irfu.cea.fr (Language qualifier: French)

## References

1. Open ISNI for Organizations
2. French National Directory of Research Structures
3. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
4. HAL