FAQ

The Athens Institute was first established in Toronto, Canada, registered on August 7, 1990, under the name Athens Institute for Advanced Studies (AIAS) with the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Government of Ontario, Toronto, Canada. In 1995, it was formally re-established as the Athens Institute for Education and Research, a non-profit organization. In Greek, it is known as Αστική Μη Κερδοσκοπική Εταιρεία (AMKE) [non-profit civil partnership] with the registration (VAT) number: EL090300238. In 2024, its legal name was simplified to “The Athens Institute (ATHIN),” keeping the old name as a separate legal entity because the name is intellectual property that must be protected.

The Athens Institute’s vision is to transform Athens into a center where academics and researchers from around the world can convene in small groups to engage in academic dialogues, akin to the ancient Athenian symposiums, with Plato’s Symposium being a notable example.

Abstract acceptance is based on three criteria:

1. 1. The academic credentials of the scholar.
   2. Their institutional affiliation (country).
   3. Ph.D. students wishing to present research from their doctoral thesis.

The Athens Institute prioritizes a balanced representation of countries and academic career levels. Preference is given to academics from institutions with limited access to international conferences.

Reviewers’ comments are not provided for abstract submissions. However, for papers considered for publication, reviewers’ comments are shared with the authors. All blind reviewers of abstracts fill in this report: https://www.athensjournals.gr/form

Abstracts are used only for preparing the conference program, informing the session chair, and publishing in the abstract book after the conference.

The Athens Institute produces:

1. 1. An abstract book for each conference.
   2. A conference paper proceedings series.
   3. The Athens Institute’s Conference Paper Series.
   4. Books based on conference presentations.
   5. Publications in the Athens Institute’s English-Only Academic Online Journals.

Papers undergo a blind-peer review process based on academic criteria. The review process begins after the final paper is submitted with formal consent for publication.

1. Microsymposiums: These are similar to Plato’s symposium, with fewer than 10 speakers. They include special sessions, roundtable discussions, and similar formats.
2. Macrosymposiums: These consist of at least 6 microsymposiums and are what we call small conferences or symposiums, typically involving between 18 and 50 participants.
3. Parallel Symposiums: These involve two or more macrosymposiums of different broad disciplines taking place simultaneously in different lecture rooms.

4. Megasymposiums: These conferences are organized in Athens as part of other academic associations’ rotating academic activities. They are non-periodical and do not serve the mission of the Athens Institute, being organized under different policies.

No, all the Athens Institute conferences are non-thematic. However, thematic sessions can be organized as part of the conferences.

Remote presentations are permitted only under exceptional circumstances, such as visa rejection, health issues, or other significant reasons, with appropriate certification.

No, the Athens Institute does not invite keynote speakers. All speakers are considered keynote speakers, similar to ancient Athenian symposiums.

No, the Athens Institute is a nonprofit, nongovernmental world association of academics and researchers, and it is unable to provide financial assistance, including fee waivers or reductions. Participants are responsible for their own costs, as in the Ancient Athenian symposiums.

Papers not presented by their authors will not be considered for publication, nor will they appear in the program or abstract book, even if a fee has been paid.

Only one presentation is allowed per registered and participating author. However, a co-author can present the paper.

Athens Institute’s policies may change without prior notification and will be immediately applied to all pending processes without exceptions.

Athens is chosen for its historical significance as a center for academic dialogue, and all the Athens Institute events are held annually in the city.

Participants should be prepared for traffic, noise, pollution, demonstrations, and protests, which are common in Athens.

For entry into Greece, it is recommended that your passport have at least six months of remaining validity. While Greek law requires only three months of validity beyond your intended departure date, some countries through which you may transit en route to or from Greece might require six months of validity. This discrepancy could affect your ability to continue your trip if your passport does not meet the stricter requirement. To avoid any travel disruptions, it’s best to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

Academics requiring a visa should apply as early as possible due to the potentially lengthy visa issuance process.