Cardiff University, located in Cardiff, Wales, is a renowned public research institution. Founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, this institution quickly became a cornerstone of the University of Wales when it was established in 1893. In 1972, it underwent a name change to University College, Cardiff, and later merged with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology in 1988. This merger resulted in the establishment of University of Wales College, Cardiff, which eventually became University of Wales, Cardiff in 1996. In 1997, it was granted degree-awarding powers, but chose not to exercise them at that time. The institution changed its operating name to Cardiff University in 1999 and later became an independent university, granting its own degrees, in 2005. Cardiff University stands out as the sole Welsh member of the prestigious Russell Group, a collection of top-tier British universities known for their research excellence. The university boasts an impressive list of academics and alumni, including two heads of state or government and two Nobel laureates. In 2023, the university boasts an impressive roster of academics, with 17 fellows of the Royal Society, 11 fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, seven fellows of the British Academy, 21 fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and 32 fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences. Cardiff University is widely recognized for its excellence in various subjects within its department. Cardiff boasts an impressive roster of two Nobel Laureates among its esteemed faculty: Sir Martin Evans and Robert Huber. Several members of Cardiff University staff have been honored as Fellows of the prestigious Royal Society. Among them are Graham Hutchings, a distinguished professor of Physical Chemistry and Director of the esteemed Cardiff Catalysis Institute at the School of Chemistry, Ole Holger Petersen, an esteemed MRC Professor and Director of the renowned Cardiff School of Biosciences, and John M. Pearce, a highly respected Professor of Psychology. In 2013, Cardiff University received recognition for its outstanding support of LGBT students. The university was ranked as one of the top UK universities in Stonewall’s annual Gay by Degree guide. The university achieved exceptional results in a Stonewall checklist of priorities for LGBT+ students, distinguishing itself as one of the top two institutions in the UK and the sole representative from Wales. Cardiff University achieved a commendable joint 168th position in the prestigious Best Global Universities ranking by US News in 2021.[66] In 2021, it secured a ranking of 164th among global universities according to the SCImago Institutions Rankings. In 2021, Cardiff University secured a global ranking of 162nd by the Round University Rankings. In 2021, Cardiff University was ranked 159th in the world by the Center for World University Rankings. QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2021 placed Cardiff University among the top 50 universities worldwide in communication and media studies (28), architecture and built environment (37), and psychology (59). Additional subjects that have achieved high rankings include dentistry, mineral and mining engineering, civil and structural engineering, geography, social policy and administration, pharmacy and pharmacology, English language and literature, and sociology.