Holding a PhD in Political science and a laureate of the Mozer Scholarship for excellence in Political science studies and civil courage, Ildiko Otova currently serves as an assistant professor and academic program consultant of the Department of Political Science in her Alma Mater, New Bulgarian University. Ildiko Otova also works as a researcher at CERMES (Centre for Refugees, Migration and Ethnic Studies, New Bulgarian University). Her teaching and research interests include migration and refugee issues, integration, urban policies and (e)citizenship, populism, far-right and extremism, and current forms of antisemitism. Ildiko Otova is experienced in coordinating and participating in various research projects nationally and internationally, including several Horizon 2020. She is an external expert evaluating project proposals for the European Commission.

Ildiko Otova also teaches at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She has many publications in English, French, Russian and Bulgarian languages. Her last book is Migration and Populism in Bulgaria. Routledge, 2021 (co-author).

Ildiko Otova has a proven experience in the non-governmental sector as a project expert and as a fundraising and advocacy consultant for leading humanitarian organizations. She is experienced in the design, coordination, and implementation of field projects for organizations such as IRC.

Ildiko Otova also has a background in the public sector as a political analyst and speechwriter for the Bulgarian President under three administrations.