Boston University is a major private research university based in Boston, Massachusetts, with nearly 38,000 students from over 140 countries and more than 11,000 faculty and staff across 17 schools and colleges. Founded in 1839, it is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified among top-tier “R1” institutions for very high research activity.
The university offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programmes across disciplines, with particular strengths in data science, global health, engineering, and urban research. BU is consistently ranked among the top universities globally (e.g. ~#88 QS 2026) and is recognised for graduate employability and strong research output (over $500M annually).
Located along the Charles River, BU combines a large urban campus with extensive global programmes in cities such as London, Paris, and Los Angeles. Its alumni and faculty include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and influential leaders across science, politics, and the arts.
The World Economic Forum is committed to advancing health equity through its Global Health Equity Network, focused on building public-private sector coalitions to advance health equity.
Health is not just about doctors and medicines – it is impacted by a range of social forces. Data can help us put health at the heart of all policy-making.
