The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens was founded in 1837. It is the largest public institution of higher education in Greece, and among the largest universities in Europe. Its Department of Communication and Media Studies was set up in the early 1990s, as one of the first departments in Greek universities to offer courses in media and communication, and it is particularly active in promoting and supporting research through its research laboratories; department-based publication outlets; dissemination events of international symposia organised by the department and active dissemination i.e. communication of research to the general public through strong presence in the national press and media. The Department has a strong tradition in the publication of books and monographs as well as international peer reviewed journals, and an excellent track record in the organisation of international conferences and activities.