GANIL (Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds) was created, on equal terms, by two research organizations which have collaborated towards its construction and operation: CEA/DSM and CNRS/IN2P3. Its legal form is that of an Economic Interest Group (GIE).
The Basse-Normandie region supported this project by way of a substantial contribution to the funding required for its realization. The decision to begin construction was made in August 1975, and the first experiment was carried out in January 1983.