In the 1980s, researchers from the Laboratory of Limnology of the Institute of Biology at UFRJ began scientific activities in the coastal lagoons of Macaé. This work culminated in the institutionalization of the Research Center in Ecology and Socio-Environmental Development (2005). This led to the creation of the Licentiate Degree in Biological Sciences, the first undergraduate course at UFRJ outside its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro (2006). In this process, the Chemistry Institute, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Anna Nery School of Nursing, the Faculty of Medicine, the Institute of Nutrition and the Polytechnic of Engineering were motivated to create graduate courses in Macaé, consolidating the University Hub of UFRJ-Macae. In 2008, the University Council approved the institutionalization of the UFRJ-Macaé Campus with its Norms and, in November, there was the first consultation with the academic community to choose the Campus Direction.

On July 8, 2021, in a remote session, the University Council unanimously approved the creation of the UFRJ-Macaé Multidisciplinary Center, a great advance for the development of the university's activities in the region.

The history of the formation of the Center in Macaé is due to the pioneering spirit of professionals linked to education who dared to internalize UFRJ, constituting an integrated and non-departmental structure, and the partnership between UFRJ and the Municipality of Macaé. Thus, the Teaching-Research-Extension tripod is established in the north of Rio de Janeiro, the main commitment of this University to Brazilian society, favoring quality university education, respectful of the most varied forms of knowledge and committed to citizenship.