But to be young is very heaven

The 100 Under 50 universities are agile, dynamic and free from the burden of history, writes Phil Baty.
An illustrious past can confer great contemporary advantages on traditional universities and signal a great future: such august institutions have had many centuries to accumulate wealth and property; they are often the custodians of national treasures and sit at the social and cultural heart of great cities; they have had time to build deep networks of loyal alumni ambassadors, sustained over the generations; and they enjoy rich traditions of teaching and scholarship – with enduring reputations to match. More...