Berlin, the Mother of All Research Universities 1860–1918

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By Charles E. McClelland ’62

Published Dec. 16, 2016

Charles McClelland ’62 provides background to the current debate over the value of “research universities” with an in-depth look at The University of Berlin. Berlin, the Mother of All Research Universities (Lexington Books), depicts the world’s first modern research university in Germany, which later became the model for American research universities, as it sought to combine cutting-edge research with highly involved students.

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The October 2025 cover of PAW, featuring an illustration of a woman dressed like Superman, but the S on her chest is a dollar sign.
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