The field of astroparticle physics lies at the interface between the study of the infinitely large and infinitely small, between particle physics and astrophysics.

The AstroParticle and Cosmology laboratory was designed to bring together the different communities (experimentalists, theorists and observers) involved in this field. It was created in 2005 during the overhaul of the University of Paris 7 on the campus of Paris Rive Gauche with laboratories MPQ (Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques) and MSC (Matière et Systèmes Complexes).

APC brings together 75 permanent researchers, and over sixty engineers, technicians and administrative staff. Including non permanent staff (PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, visitors), there are some 200 people in this new structure. Besides the University of Paris Diderot, the laboratory funding agencies are CNRS (represented by three of its Institutes: mainly IN2P3, but also INSU and INP), CEA (DSM/IRFU) and the Paris Observatory.