The Universitat Aut÷noma de Barcelona was founded in 1968. The founders aimed to establish four principles of autonomy: freedom to select teaching staff, admission available to all students (but with a limited number), freedom to create its own study plans and freedom to administrate the University's capital. It is therefore a young university, but in its short history it has moved forward at a rapid pace. UAB holds a leading position in the most prestigious and influent international university rankings. In recent years, this award has been favored by the growing impact of the research, the constant improvement of the quality of teaching and the ability to attract international talent. This progress has been decisive in going forward to leading positions among Spanish universities in the two main university rankings: the QS World University Ranking and the Times Higher Education World University Ranking. The UAB was also one the first Spanish universities to obtain recognition as a Campus of International Excellence.