Founded in 1636 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is a leading global centre for research and education and the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It comprises 12 schools and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering programmes across the sciences, humanities, law, business and medicine. Home to a diverse international community of students and scholars, Harvard fosters discovery and innovation that advance knowledge and address global challenges. Its enduring commitment to academic excellence, public service and leadership continues to shape ideas and institutions worldwide.