Campus Lecture: Metin Arditi

Metin Arditi will give his Campus Lecture just a few days after the publication of his 18th novel, L’île de la Française (Éditions Grasset). He also has another milestone on the horizon with the forthcoming release of a film adaptation of his novel L’enfant qui mesurait le monde, directed by Takis Candilis. Arditi plays a role in the film, which will come out in June this year.

During his Campus Lecture, Arditi will talk about his journey, what motivates him, and the lessons that have helped him forge his own path and pursue his many interests.

Arditi studied at EPFL, where he earned a degree in physics (1968) and a PhD in nuclear engineering. He also holds an MBA from Stanford (1970). Early in his career, he held successive roles in nuclear research, consulting and real-estate investment. In the 1990s, Arditi turned to writing and philanthropy, drawing on his passion for culture and the arts. Adriti has published a total of 30 novels, essays and plays, which have drawn widespread public acclaim and been translated into several languages. He has received numerous awards for his writings, including the Grand prix Jean Giono for Le Turquetto (2011), the Prix Méditerranée for L’enfant qui mesurait le monde (2017) and the Prix Machiavel for Tu seras mon père (2022). He sits on a number of literary award panels and is a member of the Éditions Grasset review panel. He received an Alumni Award from EPFL in 2023.

Programme

5:30 pm
Doors open

6:00 pm  
Welcome address
Leïla Ojjeh, EPFL Alumni Director

6:05 pm 
Introduction
Martin Vetterli, EPFL President

6:10 pm 
Campus Lecture
“Physics Research – Business – Literary Writing: The Same Battle?”
Metin Arditi (PH’68), Writer

6:40 pm 
Q&A
Moderated by Anne-Laure Gannac, Journalist, College of Humanities EPFL

7:15 pm 
Networking aperitif

8:15 pm 
End of the event