Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading research universities in Germany and distinguishes itself through its modern and international character. It is the largest of the four universities in Berlin. Research at the university is focused on the humanities and social sciences, as well as on health and natural sciences. Founded in West Berlin during the early Cold War period and born out of the increasingly Communist-controlled Humboldt University, its name refers to West Berlin's status as part of the free world, as opposed to the Soviet-occupied areas surrounding the city. Recognized as one of Germany's top tertiary institutions, the Freie Universität Berlin was one of nine German top-universities (also known as elite universities) to win in the German Universities Excellence Initiative, a national competition for universities organized by the German Federal Government with the intention of identifying and forming a German Ivy League.