The University of Maryland is a public research university, the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland, and the original 1862 land-grant institution in the State. It is one of 62 members of the Association of American Universities, comprising the leading research universities in the United States and Canada. The University creates and applies knowledge, nourishing a climate of intellectual growth and providing outstanding instruction and in a broad range of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary fields. As a land-grant institution, the University shares its research, educational, cultural, and technological strengths with the Maryland citizenry and other constituencies. Its collaborations with State, federal, private and non-profit partners promote economic development and improve quality of life. The University offers faculty and students a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures and encourages innovation and entrepreneurship is a variety of ways. As a public flagship campus, the university is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that are affordable by all students regardless of family income.