Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher education in the state of New York, and the fifth-oldest in the United States.
In its 250 years the university has broken new ground in science and medicine. Some of the achievements of Columbians include the invention of FM radio and X-rays, and exploration of the properties of the gene and atom.
Now, faculty members at the university's Mailman School of Public Health serve as expert consultants on infectious diseases, including Sars. They also provide public health training throughout Asia and elsewhere.
Last year, the university was awarded US$8 million for stem cell research with the goal of developing new treatments and therapies for Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
A further US$12 million was given for cellular therapy research towards a cure for diabetes. The university has a sizeable list of Nobel Prize Winners, particularly in science categories. Since it was first awarded in 1901, more than 60 people who have taught or studied at Columbia have won the prize - more than 20 of those for work done while at the university.
In the arts, Columbians have produced works of fiction and journalism, poetry, lyrics, music and films. They include the film Monsoon Wedding, written by Columbian Sabrina Dhawan and directed by Mira Nair, adjunct assistant professor of film at the School of Arts.