The University of Brasilia Foundation was created by Law 3.988 of December 15th, 1961. Professor Darcy Ribeiro, who became its first Chancellor, was one of the most enthusiastic supporters of its creation. The architect Oscar Niemeyer designed its main building, the Central Institute of Science (ICC). From its very beginning, the University of Brasilia (UnB) strived for excellence in teaching, research and outreach courses open to the community at large, thereby ranking as one of the most respected universities in Brazil.

UnB is located in the heart of Brasilia, on the banks of Paranoá Lake. Marked by their unmistakable modernist architecture, is physical facilities house 22 institutes and schools; 50 departments; 16 scientific, technological, cultural, artistic and general service centers; student, faculty and staff residences; a University Hospital; a Sports Center equipped with swimming pools, race-track and various sports fields and courts; a Seismological Observatory capable of registering earthquakes across the planet; an Animal Research Laboratory and an Ecological Station. UnB is also about to build its own technological park.