Federico Mayor Zaragoza

Federico Mayor Zaragoza was chair of biochemistry and biology at the University of Granada (1963-1973) and the Autonomous University of Madrid (1973-2004). He was also the rector of the University of Granada (1968-1970). His professional life includes: promoter of the Spanish programme for the prevention of newborn disabilities; director general of UNESCO (1987- 1999); minister of education and science (1981- 1982); director general of UNESCO (1987-1999); president of the Foundation for a Culture of Peace (2000-present); chair of the European Research Council Expert Group (ERCEG) in 2002. In 2005, he became the co-president of the High Level Group for the Alliance of Civilizations (2005-2007), and he is currently the president of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (2010-present).