Stanford University, officially known as Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research institution located in Stanford, California. Established in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only child, Leland Jr., the university has grown into one of the world's leading educational and research institutions. Its mission is to promote the public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization, teaching the blessings of liberty regulated by law, and inculcating love and reverence for the great principles of government as derived from the inalienable rights of man to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The university offers a broad liberal arts education through seven schools: Humanities and Sciences, Engineering, Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, Education, Law, Medicine, and Business. Stanford is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, with a significant number of startups and tech companies founded by its alumni, particularly in Silicon Valley. The campus is also known for its beautiful architecture, extensive libraries, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research.