About ICS
A research, education and communication centre working in the fields of communications, media, journalism, public relations, political communication and corporate communication.
Who we are
Knowledge, research and practice in one place.
The Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) is a non-profit research organisation founded in 2012, working in the fields of communications, media, journalism, public relations, political communication and corporate communication.
ICS conducts scientific and applied research, develops educational programmes, implements projects and public campaigns, and provides consulting services for organisations, institutions and professional teams. In its work, the Institute connects academic knowledge and research findings with their practical application in communications, media and wider social processes.
ICS works as a research, education and communication centre and cooperates with academic institutions, media, civil society organisations, public institutions and international partners. Through its work, the Institute contributes to better information, critical thinking, professional and responsible communication and more active citizen participation in society.
Status and recognition
The formal foundation of our work.
Since 2017, the School of Journalism and Public Relations and the Institute of Communication Studies have operated as a single organisation under the name of the Institute.
Status of a scientific institution in the social sciences and humanities
Accreditation for one-year and two-year master’s studies in Strategic Communication Management
Holder of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, taking part in international educational and research partnerships
Since 2022, holder of the UNESCO Chair in Futures Literacy and Media Literacy, through which it develops its research and educational work in this field
Mission
To contribute to a democratic and informed society through research, education and cooperation with the media, civil society and public institutions, fostering critical thinking, transparency, accountability and active citizen participation in public life.
Vision
North Macedonia as a democratic society with a critical and informed public, professional media and open and accountable institutions.
What we work on
We research and work across six connected areas.
Our work focuses on several connected areas that follow the changes in communication, media and contemporary society.
Futures literacy and media literacy
We develop programmes and resources for the critical understanding of media and information, digital safety and the exploration of possible futures. We work with pupils, teachers, students, professionals and vulnerable groups.
Media and journalism
We work to strengthen professional journalism and media standards, promoting information integrity and public interest content through research, training, media partnerships and content production.
Information disorders
We study information disorders and develop approaches for recognising and understanding them, to make the public and institutions more resilient to disinformation, propaganda, foreign information interference and other forms of manipulative communication.
Strategic communications
We improve practices of clear, responsible and ethical communication by developing communication strategies, campaigns, crisis communication, public relations and public speaking.
Political communication
We work for transparency, accountability and more active public participation in public policy through research, dialogue and partnerships.
Science and environmental communication
We bring scientific and environmental topics closer to the public through clear and responsible communication about the environment, climate change, natural resources and sustainable development.
Our approach
Four ways we work.
We research
We conduct scientific and applied research in communications, media, journalism, media literacy and the public interest.
We educate
We develop educational programmes, training and resources for students, professionals and organisations in media, communications, media literacy and public interest topics.
We inform
We create content, campaigns and public resources that address topics of public interest and make them more accessible and understandable for different audiences.
We advocate
We stand for freedom of expression, professional media, transparent institutions, responsible communication and fact-based policies.
Timeline
Key moments
2008
The School of Journalism and Public Relations is founded.
2012
The Institute of Communication Studies is founded.
2017
The School and ICS merge into a single organisation and continue to operate under the name Institute of Communication Studies.
2022
The UNESCO Chair in Futures Literacy and Media Literacy is established within ICS.