The history of the State University of Rio de Janeiro begins in 1950 with the founding of the Federal District University (UDF). Throughout these decades, UERJ has grown and established itself as one of the top universities in the country. Its importance in the Brazilian academic space can be attested by the quality of higher education that offers, for the amount of its scientific production, the hundreds of extension projects in development, the promotion of culture and the numerous services rendered to the population. The history of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) started on December 4, 1950, with the enactment of the Municipal Law No. 547, establishing a new University of the Federal District (UDF). Unlike the eponymous institution, founded in 1935 and abolished in 1939, the new University gained strength and became a reference in higher education, research and extension in the Southeast. In this way, the institution saw its name change, following the political changes taking place. In 1958, the UDF was renamed University of Rio de Janeiro (URJ). In 1961, after the transfer of the Federal District to the newly inaugurated Brasilia, the URJ was renamed University of the State of Guanabara (UEG). Finally, in 1975, he won the final name of University of Rio de Janeiro State.