Six more research-intensive universities have joined the Association of American Universities, bringing its total membership to 71.

Arizona State University, George Washington University, the University of California, Riverside, the University of Miami, the University of Notre Dame and the University of South Florida have all become members, AAU has announced.

The association’s president, Barbara R. Snyder, said it was “particularly proud” that two of the new members – Arizona State and UC Riverside – were designated Hispanic-serving institutions due to the high proportion of Hispanic students they catered for. UC Riverside is also an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution.

“We look forward to working with all of these universities to continue advancing higher education and laying the scientific foundation that helps keep our economy strong and our nation healthy and safe,” Ms Snyder said.

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An invitation to join AAU is widely coveted across North America and regarded as a key milestone in the history of any university. It now counts 69 American institutions as members and two Canadian universities.

Board chair and University of Southern California president Carol L. Folt said it was “testament to our higher education system that we have this many leading research universities in every corner of our country”.

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Celebrating his university’s new membership, George Washington University president Mark S. Wrighton said the institution was “honoured by this acknowledgment of excellence by America’s leading research universities”, adding that the “vital distinction of membership” was reflective of GW’s “rapidly growing impact locally, nationally and globally”.

At the the University of South Florida, president Rhea Law said it was “honoured to accept an invitation to become an AAU member and join the most prestigious association in higher education”.

“This is a historic and momentous achievement for USF,” she said. “Especially when considering we were founded in 1956, to now officially be recognised by our peers as one of America’s leading research universities is a shining example of our university community’s determination, innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com