Paris Nanterre University (French: Université Paris Nanterre), formerly Paris-X and commonly referred to as Nanterre, is a public research university based in Nanterre, France. From its very creation in the 1960s, Paris Nanterre University has dedicated itself to being a new type of institution of higher education. An institution of learning and research whose defining characteristics are its vibrant campus life, educational innovation and scientific research with a social dimension.