In memory of Theodore Papazoglou

It is hard to imagine the European Research Council without him.

Theo was one of the rocks upon which the ERC was built.

He helped to set up the ERC and had served it ever since with loyalty, devotion and wisdom.

Theo had an unrivalled knowledge of the ERC’s history and mandate. He worked with all the personalities and took part in all the big debates that have shaped the ERC over the years. He had a profound knowledge of the underlying legal documents, and had helped to write many of them. He was our institutional memory and one of the most committed defenders of the ERC’s founding principles.

Theo had led a full and varied life both in Europe and in the United States. He understood people. A distinguished scientist himself in his earlier career, he knew the value of frontier research. But he also understood what it takes to do it. The hard work and late hours. The compromises and disappointments as well as the successes and accolades.

All this gave Theo a firm grounding from which to see beyond the latest turn of events. He always tried to give advice that was measured and objective. He tried to set aside the normal occupational rivalries and interests. He was a professional who earned the respect and trust of all those he dealt with.

Theo embodied the ERC, its spirit and history like no one else. Whenever we deliberate in future, the first thought of many will be, “what would Theo have said?”

But above all, to many of us, Theo was first and foremost a friend and a confidante. He would be the first to roll his eyes and smile at the idea that he was a paragon. He always had time for those around him. His door was always open. He was always quick to respond to a mail, a question or a problem. He was always eager to go for coffee or lunch or to organise a social event, often at his own house. He was generous, supportive and kind through good times and bad. He could be relied upon.

A friend who should now be planning his next return to the country and the sea that he loved so much was taken too soon. Our hearts break for his wife and his beautiful children of whom he was so proud.

He will always be remembered.

Rest in peace Theo.

ERC Presidents and Members of the Scientific Council past and present
Past ERC Secretaries General
Directors and Staff of the ERCEA past and present