# University of Erlangen

> public research university in the city of Erlangen, 1743-1961

**Wikidata**: [Q99955354](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q99955354)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-erlangen

## Summary
The University of Erlangen was a public research university located in the city of Erlangen. Founded in 1743, the institution operated under this specific designation until 1961. It is historically recognized as the predecessor to the modern Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** The university was founded in 1743.
- **Location:** It was situated in the city of Erlangen.
- **Country:** The entity is associated with West Germany.
- **Successor:** In 1961, the University of Erlangen was followed by and replaced by the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
- **Alternate Name:** The institution is also known by the alias *Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen*.
- **Classification:** It is an instance of a university, defined as an academic institution for further education.
- **Notable Affiliate:** Hans-Peter Seidel, a computer graphics researcher and mathematician born in 1958, is affiliated with the university.
- **Authority Control:** The university holds the Library of Congress Authority ID `n80023632` and the GND ID `2024186-0`.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the University of Erlangen founded?
A: The University of Erlangen was founded in 1743. It operated as a public research university for over two centuries.

### Q: What happened to the University of Erlangen in 1961?
A: In 1961, the entity known as the University of Erlangen was replaced by the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. This new institution is the direct successor to the original university.

### Q: Who is a notable person affiliated with the University of Erlangen?
A: Hans-Peter Seidel, a German computer graphics researcher, mathematician, and computer scientist, is a notable affiliate. He was born on April 24, 1958.

## Why It Matters
The University of Erlangen serves as a critical historical node in the landscape of German higher education. Established in 1743, the institution represents a lineage of academic continuity that spans the transition from the early modern period through the Cold War era. Its designation as a public research university highlights its role in contributing to the broader scientific and academic community of its time.

The university's significance is perhaps best exemplified by its institutional evolution. The transition in 1961 to the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg marked a major structural shift, expanding the university's scope and merging traditions. This evolution links the historical academic foundation of Erlangen with the modern research capabilities of its successor institution. The university's affiliation with researchers like Hans-Peter Seidel also underscores its relevance in the fields of mathematics and computer science. By maintaining distinct identities and aliases, such as *Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen*, the entity preserves a specific historical era of educational excellence that predates the expansion into Nürnberg.

## Notable For
- **Historical Longevity:** Operating for over 200 years from its inception in 1743 until its reorganization in 1961.
- **Institutional Evolution:** Being the direct predecessor to the contemporary Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
- **Research Heritage:** Its classification as a public research university, contributing to the academic output of West Germany and earlier German states.
- **Academic Lineage:** Hosting notable academics such as Hans-Peter Seidel, a distinguished researcher in computer graphics and mathematics.

## Body

### Founding and Location
The University of Erlangen was established as a public research university in 1743. Located in the city of Erlangen, it served as a major academic institution in the region. The university is classified as an "instance of" a university, defined generally as an academic institution for further education.

### Institutional Succession (1961)
The university operated under the name University of Erlangen (and the alias *Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen*) until 1961.
*   **Followed By:** Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
*   **Replaced By:** Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
*   **Point in Time:** 1961

This transition marks the end of the "University of Erlangen" as a distinct entity in knowledge bases, having been absorbed or renamed to reflect a broader regional scope.

### Affiliated Personnel
The university counts **Hans-Peter Seidel** among its affiliated persons.
*   **Occupation:** Computer graphics researcher, mathematician, computer scientist, and university teacher.
*   **Birth Date:** April 24, 1958.
*   **Citizenship:** Germany.
*   **Sitelink Count:** 5 (indicating digital presence across knowledge platforms).

### Identifiers and Authority Control
The entity is tracked across multiple library and authority systems, confirming its historical validity.
*   **GND ID:** 2024186-0
*   **VIAF ID:** 124329052
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n80023632
*   **National Library of Israel J9U ID:** 987007603616805171
*   **Hill Museum & Manuscript Library ID:** organization/180661700718
*   **University of Barcelona Authority ID:** 981058524718606706
*   **Yale LUX ID:** group/db49daf5-d98d-45f4-ada3-0cd0e199d9dd

## References

1. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
2. HMML Authority File