Josep Maria Vallès is Professor of Political Science and Administration. It belongs to the faculty of the School of Political Science and Sociology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, which was first dean (1985-1990) and president (1990-1994). He has also held the presidency of the Spanish Association of Political Science and Administration (2001-2003). His research has focused on the field of behavior and electoral systems. It has also had political responsibilities as a deputy in the Catalan Parliament and member of the Catalan government (1999-2006).