Speakers 2026
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Jean-Marie Tarascon is an internationally renowned French chemist specializing in solid-state chemistry and electrochemistry, holding the Chair of Solid-State Chemistry and Energy at the Collège de France since 2014. His pioneering work at Bell Laboratories in the United States, and later at the Université de Picardie and within the RS2E network he founded, revolutionized energy storage through the development of polymer electrolyte lithium-ion batteries and eco-friendly sodium-ion alternatives. Author of over 700 publications and member of the French Academy of Sciences, his major research on advanced materials and smart batteries has earned him top honors, including the Balzan Prize in 2020 and the CNRS Gold Medal in 2022.
Debate 26 • Should responsibility apply to technological innovation?
A graduate of Sciences Po with a Ph.D. in political science, Bruno Tertrais began his career at the Ministry of Defense (1993–2001) before joining the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), a French think tank focused on international issues. In 2007–2008 and 2012–2013, he served on the committees for the White Paper on Defense and National Security. A specialist in international relations, conflicts, US military strategy, security in the Middle East and Asia, and nuclear deterrence, he is currently Deputy Director of the FRS and a geopolitical adviser at the Institut Montaigne. In 2025, he published a book entitled « The Israeli Question ».
Pr Alain Toledano is a renowned French oncologist and radiation therapist, recognized for his innovative and integrative approach to medicine, combining clinical expertise with a humanistic vision of care. Specializing in the treatment of breast, prostate, lung, and metastatic cancers, he has made a significant impact in the field by pioneering high-precision radiotherapy technologies, particularly with the CyberKnife, a robotic radiosurgery system offering millimetric accuracy. He has held key positions such as Medical Director of the Hartmann Cancer Institute and President of the Medical Council of the Hauts-de-Seine Oncology Institute. Beyond his clinical work, Toledano has founded several associations dedicated to the holistic support of patients, including Esthétique & Cancer, Sport pour Vaincre le Cancer, and the Institut Rafaël, France’s first post-cancer care center, which rethinks rehabilitation by addressing physical, mental, and social dimensions. He also directs the Research Chair in Integrative Health at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, advocating for a preventive, patient-centered approach to healthcare. A Knight of the National Order of Merit, Pr Alain Toledano is deeply involved in education, research, and public awareness, championing a comprehensive view of health that goes beyond the technical aspects of disease.
Debate 40 • Is doubt the new form of courage? between refusal, resistance and commitment
Éric TOLEDANO
Réalisateur, scénariste et producteur
Éric Toledano is a director, screenwriter, and producer. After graduating from high school, he spent a year studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Upon his return, as a brilliant student, he continued his studies and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Literature with a concentration in film, followed by a Master’s degree in Political Science. At the same time, drawn to the art of filmmaking, the young aspiring filmmaker cut his teeth working with director Diane Kurys. Since the 1990s, he has formed a renowned creative partnership with Olivier Nakache. After studying political sociology, he turned to screenwriting and filmmaking. The duo first made a name for themselves with “Nos jours heureux” (2006), a comedy praised for its human and generational perspective. International acclaim came with “Intouchables” (2011), which became one of the biggest hits in French cinema. Their work is characterized by a balance between comedy, emotion, and social commitment. Their films regularly explore themes such as disability, inclusion, immigration, and educational support. Among their notable works are “Samba” (2014), “Le Sens de la fête” (2017), and “Hors Normes” (2019), and more recently, "Juste une illusion" (2026), wich is still in theaters. Their cinematic approach is based on characters inspired by real life, with a strong humanistic dimension.
After studying economics at Paris-Sorbonne University, Didier Truchot became a research analyst at the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP). In 1975, drawing on this experience, he founded the Ipsos Institute with the innovative idea of working closely with his clients and, initially, providing them with syndicated research in the areas of advertising effectiveness and media research. At the helm of Ipsos for more than forty years, he expanded the group’s presence in markets around the world and drove its diversification. Today, Ipsos is the world’s third-largest provider of market research, surveys, and public opinion polls (with a presence in 90 countries). Formerly chairman of the group’s board of directors, he now serves as its honorary chairman.
Debate 40 • Is doubt the new form of courage? between refusal, resistance and commitment
Frédéric Vacher is Director of Innovation at Dassault Systèmes and founder of the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab, an open innovation laboratory created in 2015 to support disruptive projects with a positive impact.
A mechanical engineer by training, specializing in computer-aided design, he began his career working on the Rafale programme at Dassault Aviation before joining the Airbus Group and spending several years in Japan. He joined Dassault Systèmes in 1998, where he has held various positions in partnerships, strategic alliances and corporate strategy. An expert in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, industry and deep tech, he has also served as President of Cap Digital since June 2026, one of Europe’s leading clusters dedicated to digital innovation.
Debate 6 • From the real heart to the virtual heart: medicine reimagined.
A graduate of the University of Paris X-Nanterre and the University of Paris IX-Dauphine, Benjamin van Gaver has been a member of the Paris Bar since 2003. A partner at August Debouzy, a firm he joined in 2003, he specialises in commercial litigation and handles criminal, commercial and civil disputes involving companies, directors, shareholders and strategic partners. He advises his clients on complex cases involving multiple aspects of litigation, both before the courts and in arbitration proceedings. His practice also covers litigation relating to property and construction. Benjamin van Gaver is regularly featured in leading professional rankings for commercial litigation and corporate criminal law.
Debate 20 • How can we make responsibility a strategic pillar?
An alumnus of École Polytechnique and ENA, François Villeroy de Galhau is a leading French policymaker and banker. Following a distinguished career at the French Treasury and as COO of BNP Paribas, he served as Governor of the Banque de France from 2015 to June 2026, notably shaping Eurozone monetary policy during key inflationary crises. He also chaired the Bank for International Settlements until 2025. Driven by a deep sense of public service and social commitment, he stepped down from central banking in June 2026 to become the President of the Apprentis d’Auteuil foundation. In this role, succeeding Jean-Marc Sauvé, he leverages his strategic vision and dedication to the common good to support the education and integration of vulnerable youth.
Nathalie Vranken is a leading figure in the world of champagne and cultural patronage in France. A history graduate from the Sorbonne, she first founded her own communications agency, Nico Agency, in 1987, before joining the Vranken-Pommery Monopole group, where she played a pivotal role in brand development and the promotion of contemporary art. Since 2025, she has served as the CEO of the group, having previously held positions as Deputy CEO and Marketing Director. Passionate about art and heritage, she restored the Villa Demoiselle in Reims, transforming this Art Nouveau gem into an iconic cultural and champagne venue. Her commitment to patronage and the organization of events such as the "Expérience Pommery" and the Culinary Photography Festival have strengthened the group’s innovative and cultural image. Nathalie Vranken embodies a vision that blends tradition, modernity, and cultural engagement.
Debate 4 • Can responsible consumption reconcile the economy with ecology?
Guillaume VUILLEMEY
Professor of Finance at HEC Paris, specializing in economic history and corporate social responsibility
Guillaume Vuillemey is an Associate Professor of Finance at HEC Paris, where he teaches corporate finance and conducts research on financial stability, economic history, banking regulation, and corporate social responsibility.
Holding degrees from Sciences Po and the École Polytechnique, he earned his PhD in Economics in 2015. His work, published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Finance and the Review of Financial Studies, focuses on financial markets, systemic risks, and the evolution of banking systems. He is also affiliated with the CEPR (Centre for Economic Policy Research) and the ACPR Chair on Regulation and Systemic Risks. Author of "Le Temps de la démondialisation" (The Age of De-globalization, 2022), he frequently contributes to public debates on international finance and economic regulation.
Debate 5 • How can we promote responsible finance and sustainable investment?
Annette WIEVIORKA
Historian
Annette Wieviorka, a French historian specializing in the Holocaust and the history of the Jews in the 20th century, was born into a Jewish family whose grandparents were deported to Auschwitz. After being active in the Maoist movement, she lived in China from 1974 to 1976, where she taught French language and culture in Guangzhou. She earned her agrégation in history in 1989 and defended her dissertation on deportation and genocide in 1992. After becoming a research director at the CNRS, she published numerous works on the Holocaust, notably “Auschwitz Explained to My Daughter” (1999) and “Eichmann: From Manhunt to Trial” (2011). From 1997 to 2000, she participated in the Mattéoli Mission on the spoliation of French Jews and contributed to several projects aimed at preserving the memory of the Holocaust. In 2025, she published “Itinérances: Parcours d’historienne”, in which she reflects on the places and experiences that have shaped her journey and her work as a historian.
Frédéric Worms is a leading French philosopher, renowned for his expertise in contemporary philosophy and the work of Henri Bergson, on whom he co-authored a definitive biography. A professor at the ENS, he became its director in 2022 after serving as deputy director. He also heads the Centre international d’étude de la philosophie française contemporaine and was a member of the French National Consultative Ethics Committee (CCNE) from 2013 to 2021. A prolific author, his major works include "Bergson ou les deux sens de la vie" (Bergson or the Two Meanings of Life, 2013), "Les Maladies chroniques de la démocratie" (The Chronic Illnesses of Democracy, 2017), "Pour un humanisme vital" (For a Vital Humanism, 2019), "Vivre en temps réel" (Living in Real Time, 2021) and exploring the intersections of philosophy, care, democracy, and temporality. He also hosts the radio program "Matières à penser" on France Culture, where he discusses major intellectual and societal issues with clarity and commitment.