The Australian National University (ANU) is a prestigious public research university located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It is known for its research, teaching, and international outreach excellence. ANU is regarded as one of the top universities in Australia and is consistently ranked among the leading universities worldwide. 

Key Facts About ANU:

1. Established: 1946 (originally as a postgraduate research institution).

2. Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

3. Reputation: ANU is highly regarded for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. It is particularly well-known for politics, international relations, law, economics, engineering, and the natural sciences.

4. Colleges: ANU has seven academic colleges, each specializing in different fields, including arts and social sciences, business, law, engineering, and health sciences.

5. Research: ANU has a strong research focus, and its faculty members are involved in groundbreaking work in various fields. It is home to several research institutes, including the Australian National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health.

6. International Rankings: ANU frequently ranks as one of the top universities in global rankings. For example, it is consistently placed within the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education rankings.