Yale University is a private research institution founded in 1701 and one of the oldest universities in the United States. Operating as a major research center, the university advances understanding across disciplines while educating students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Leadership is structured around a president - currently Maurie McInnis, the institution's 24th president - and a board of trustees.
The university's core activities span academics, research, museum operations, library services, and campus life. Its research operations generate significant scholarly output across multiple fields, while its collections and preservation work maintain extensive cultural and scientific holdings for long-term access. Yale maintains substantial public-facing programs through its museums and libraries, which serve audiences beyond the campus community.
Geographically, Yale is based in New Haven, Connecticut, where it operates in partnership with the city to strengthen local community and economic development. The institution also engages internationally with people and institutions worldwide, reflecting a scope that extends beyond its primary location.