Founded in 1861, the University of Washington has become one of leading public research institutions in the world. The UW receives more federal research funding than any other American public university, a position it has held each year since 1974. Since 1991, the UW has ranked second among all universities, both public and private, in competing for federal research funding. This remarkable record of success demonstrates the exceptional quality of the scientists and scholars at the UW. Another key strength of the UW is its rich intellectual climate, an atmosphere that encourages faculty to interact and collaborate across traditional academic boundaries.