LSE announces Aristotelis Mistakidis Chair in Behavioural Science
Professor Paul Dolan from the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science has been appointed as Aristotelis Mistakidis Chair in Behavioural Science.
The new Chair has been made possible by a generous philanthropic gift from LSE alumnus Aristotelis Mistakidis, who graduated from LSE with BSc Econ - International Relations 1984.
Professor Dolan is a leading behavioural scientist whose research, conducted over three decades, examines the factors that influence people’s wellbeing and decision-making, and how insights from behavioural science can be used to improve lives and inform policy and practice.
He is the author of the Sunday Times best-selling books Happiness by Design and Happy Ever After. His latest book, Beliefism: How to stop hating the people we disagree with was published in 2025. He is also the creator and presenter of the Breaking Beliefism podcast.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Dolan said: "I was LSE's first Professor of Behavioural Science and it is a great honour to be afforded this new title, which reflects how far the discipline has come at the School".
Through philanthropic support, LSE is able to create and sustain academic positions that advance research and teaching in areas of major social importance. Such support provides scholars with the long-term platform to develop new ideas, pursue ambitious research and engage with some of the most pressing challenges facing society.
Aristotelis Mistakidis commented: "Congratulations to Paul on his appointment as the inaugural Aristotelis Mistakidis Chair in Behavioural Science.
"A deeper understanding of human behaviour and how we interact with one another will give us a clearer view of the world we've built and the one we live in. It will help bridge divides and offer a healthier path forward, whatever our endeavours. I look forward to following Paul's work and the impact he will have in this space."
Professor Alex Gillespie, Head of the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, added: “We are delighted that Paul has been appointed to this Chair. His research tackles questions people genuinely care about, is always thought-provoking, and has had real impact on policy and practice. Thanks to Aristotelis Mistakidis’s generosity, the department has a lasting platform for further path-breaking research that also reaches beyond the academy.”
LSE President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Larry Kramer, was delighted to introduce Mr Mistakidis to Professor Dolan when he visited LSE last week. This was an opportunity to mark the establishment of the Chair and also for Mr Mistakidis to discuss Professor Dolan’s work and the future of behavioural science research at LSE.