Based in Cluj-Napoca, the RIRNM is a legally constituted public entity under the authority of the Romanian Government and coordinated by the Department for Interethnic Relations. It was established in 2007. The Institute has the following objectives: to conduct inter- and multidisciplinary studies and research with regard to the preservation, development, and expression of ethnic identity, as well as about social, historical, cultural, linguistic, religious or other aspects of national minorities and of other ethnic communities living in Romania.