The President of the Academy of Athens and Komvos Partner writes about dietary traditions, our relationship with nature and the role of science
Nikiforos Diamandouros, President of the Academy of Athens and a Partner of Komvos, explores the Greek diet as an expression of cultural continuity in his article “Nature’s Memory and the Value of Moderation”, published in Kathimerini on 11 October 2026.
Diet as a Carrier of Memory
The plants of the Ancient Agora provide the starting point for connecting nature, history and knowledge. Through the “Garden of Hippocrates”, Professor Diamandouros describes the transition from observation to science. Research revisits earlier knowledge, examining it through new questions and evidence.
Nikiforos Diamandouros turns to habits passed down through generations and their contribution to shaping identity:
“Identity, however, is not built solely through the memory of major events. It is also built through the memory of everyday practices.”
In Greek dietary traditions, he identifies a relationship with the land, the seasons and the community. He connects moderation with a balance between people, their environment and their way of life.
Antonia Trichopoulou’s Contribution
As an example of the connection between tradition and contemporary research, he presents the work of Antonia Trichopoulou, a member of the Academy of Athens and a fellow Partner of Komvos. He recognises her contribution to establishing the scientific evidence for the Mediterranean diet as a model for public health and to bringing Greek dietary traditions to international attention.
Science in Public Dialogue
The discussion moves to contemporary challenges: childhood obesity, alienation from nature and the abandonment of dietary habits. In this context, Professor Diamandouros highlights the Academy’s responsibility to strengthen public dialogue and provide a scientific foundation for public policy. He emphasises collaboration between archaeology, botany, medicine, nutritional science and cultural history.
