Born in Athens, Greece, in June 1942, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros (Ph.D. Columbia, 1972) is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the University of Athens, and, President of the Academy of Athens for 2026. Between 2012 and 2022, he also served as Visiting Professor at the College of Europe (Bruges). He has served as European Ombudsman (2003-2013), as founding Ombudsman of Greece (1998-2003), and as Director and Chairman of the Greek National Centre of Social Research (EKKE). In 2014, he was elected member of the Academy of Athens. He is also Doctor honoris causa of the Panteion University (2015) and of the American College of Greece (2011). He has been decorated by the Presidents of France (Légion d’ honneur-2014)), Poland (Golden Cross of Merit-2010), and Greece (Order of the Phoenix-2004). His recent published work focuses on democracy, the rule of law, the ombudsman and public administration, and the relationship between politics and culture.