In October 1885, it was announced that the authorities were in favour of the creation of an institute of chemistry in Nancy.  This pulled together a variety of chemical activities in the University of Nancy, with the specific aim of instructing young men in the practical application of chemistry to industry and agriculture. The decree authorizing the creation of the Institute was made on 8 September 1887 and construction began in 1888. The first 6 students joined in 1889 and Albin Haller was appointed as director on 30 July 1890.  on 6 June 1892 it was formally inaugurated by the President of the Republic, Marie François Sadi Carnot.