The Media and Information Literacy Institute (MIL Institute)is an international think tank that works to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Intercultural Dialogue around the world. Acting as both an observatory and a hub for collaboration, the Institute brings together researchers, educators, and institutions committed to helping people think critically about the media they consume and create.
Based at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB, Spain) —within the Gabinete de Comunicación y Educación—the MIL Institute connects universities and research centres across continents. Together, they develop knowledge, shape public policy, and create opportunities for training and cooperation in the growing field of MIL.
A Global Network for Media Literacy
The Institute’s strength lies in its network. Through regional centres and local offices, it maintains an active presence on every continent. Members include leading universities and organizations such as:
- Cairo University (Egypt)
- Western Sydney University (Australia)
- University of São Paulo (Brazil)
- University of Lagos (Nigeria)
- University of Guadalajara (Mexico)
- Temple University (USA)
- Moscow Pedagogical State University (Russia)
- Punjabi University (India)
- University of Minho (Portugal)
- Hosei University (Japan)
- The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (Egypt)
- McLuhan Foundation (Canada)
This truly global structure ensures that the Institute’s initiatives reflect diverse perspectives and respond to local realities while sharing a common goal: advancing media and information literacy for all.
Working Hand in Hand with UNESCO
The MIL Institute collaborates closely with the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) UNITWIN Network an MIL Alliance sharing its principles and methodologies. Together, they promote education, inclusion, and dialogue as key tools for sustainable development and democratic participation.
The Institute’s work spans several areas:
- Mapping and assessing MIL policies around the world
- Offering training programs for educators and professionals
- Supporting innovative research and academic projects
- Encouraging dialogue and cultural exchange through media
Each regional centre develops projects tailored to its context—ensuring that MIL grows both locally and globally.
Origins and Shared Vision
The MIL Institute emerged from a shared vision among members of the UNESCO MILID Network. It was built on a detailed feasibility study led by international experts and supported by UNESCO, with the aim of creating a global platform for cooperation in media literacy and intercultural dialogue.
Since then, the Institute has grown into a dynamic community of universities, researchers, and educators working together to make media literacy an essential skill in education and civic life.
A Commitment to Excellence
As a centre of excellence, the MIL Institute is devoted to:
- Promoting high-quality research
- Building strong international partnerships
- Advising policymakers and institutions
- Supporting postgraduate programs and specialized training in MIL
Towards a More Informed and Inclusive World
The International MIL Institute demonstrates what global collaboration can achieve. By connecting people and ideas across borders, it contributes to building a more **informed, inclusive, and media-literate world**—one where everyone can access, understand, and create information responsibly.
Directorate
Dr. José Manuel Pérez Tornero
Emeritus Professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) of the UNESCO Chair on Media and Information Literacy and Quality Journalism. Coordinator of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Cooperation Program. Former President of Spanish Public Radio and Television (RTVE).
He holds the title of Doctor honoris causa from Aix-Marseille University and is a full professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. A journalist and media expert, he is recognized as one of the pioneers of media literacy in Europe.As a member of the EU High-Level Group of Experts on Media Literacy, he led studies that facilitated the integration of media literacy as a key objective in European legislation. He also served as a former member of the Board of Directors of the European Broadcasting Union and president of COPEAM. He has authored numerous books, including Humanism and Media Literacy, Educational Television, and his most recent work, The Great Mediatization. In this latest book, he highlights the threats posed by the “digital tsunami” to personal autonomy and freedoms, advocating for critical thinking and the adoption of effective media policies to protect individual liberties.
Dr. Samy Tayie
Professor at the Faculty of Mass Communication of Cairo University, Egypt. He also acts as a visiting professor at UAB, Spain. He received his first degrees from Cairo University and his PhDs from Leicester University, UK. and la Sorbonne, France.
His main areas of interest include media and information literacy, social marketing, new communication technology and media research methods. He has published a few books on media research methods, media education, advertising and public relations. He has also published a few articles on different areas of mass communication. He supervised more than 80 MA and PhD theses. He organized and participated in many international meetings in the Middle East, Europe and the United States. He also worked for some regional and international organizations including the United Nations. He is also Lead of Arab States Chapter of UNESCO’s MIL Alliance.
