Grenoble's reputation for science is

rendered all the more original by the

fact that it was so long in the making.

The Grenoble basin owes its development

primarily to the very close ties forged

between university research and industry,

supported by the steadfast commitment of the

local authorities. The presence today of major

international facilities gives Grenoble a considerable

edge over its European rivals.

This publication recounts the great saga of

Grenoble's scientific development, from the

industrial revolution fuelled by hydropower and

electricity to nanotechnology and its crossover

into the field of biology.