Jean Filliozat was a physician turned Indologist whose academic journey took a pivotal turn at EPHE. He became a pioneer... View More

Jean Filliozat was a physician turned Indologist whose academic journey took a pivotal turn at EPHE. He became a pioneer in the study of Indian medicine, bridging Western science with ancient Eastern texts. Fluent in Sanskrit, Tamil, Pali, and Tibetan, he wrote extensively on Ayurveda and classical Indian philosophies. He served as Director of Studies at EPHE and was instrumental in founding the French Institute of Indology in Pondicherry. His academic rigor and cross-cultural fluency helped establish Indo-French scholarly exchanges. Filliozat's work laid a solid foundation for future generations of researchers in comparative medicine and religious studies. View Less

André Caquot was one of France’s most respected Semitic scholars and orientalists. His academic career blossomed at E... View More

André Caquot was one of France’s most respected Semitic scholars and orientalists. His academic career blossomed at EPHE, where he specialized in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Ugaritic studies. He made significant contributions to understanding ancient Near Eastern religions and the Dead Sea Scrolls. As a professor at both EPHE and later Collège de France, Caquot trained a generation of scholars in philology and comparative religion. He was also an influential member and president of the prestigious Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres. His intellectual rigor and devotion to the ancient world made him a respected voice in both academic and religious circles. View Less

Jean-Christophe Attias is a contemporary scholar of medieval Judaism and Jewish thought. A product of EPHE, he pursued d... View More

Jean-Christophe Attias is a contemporary scholar of medieval Judaism and Jewish thought. A product of EPHE, he pursued deep studies in Jewish exegesis and medieval commentary traditions. His work often explores themes like exile, biblical memory, and cultural identity in Jewish history. Attias is also known for his bold intellectual interventions, engaging with modern religious identity and secularism. He has authored numerous books that push the boundaries of traditional Jewish scholarship. His biography of Moses won the Goncourt Prize for Biography, highlighting his ability to merge scholarship with storytelling. At EPHE, he continues to mentor students and challenge norms in religious studies. View Less

Hélène Ahrweiler, originally from Greece, became one of the world’s leading Byzantinists after studying and teaching... View More

Hélène Ahrweiler, originally from Greece, became one of the world’s leading Byzantinists after studying and teaching at EPHE. She broke barriers as the first woman to head the Sorbonne and later served as Rector of the Paris Academy and Chancellor of the Universities of Paris. Her research into the structure of the Byzantine Empire has had lasting influence in academic and political history. Known for her command over both scholarly and administrative domains, she has held top roles in European academic circles. Ahrweiler embodies EPHE’s blend of deep historical inquiry and public intellectual leadership on the global stage View Less

Samy Cohen is a political scientist known for his deep analysis of international relations and terrorism studies. Traine... View More

Samy Cohen is a political scientist known for his deep analysis of international relations and terrorism studies. Trained at EPHE under Jacques Vernant, Cohen's early work focused on France-Israel relations and Gaullist diplomacy. Over time, he expanded into studies of democratic resilience, military ethics, and Middle East politics. His nuanced understanding of Israel's foreign policy and security has shaped debates in European and international policy circles. Cohen’s academic output reflects EPHE’s tradition of research-based inquiry into real-world geopolitical dynamics. As a scholar and commentator, he has brought political theory into conversations on peace, war, and diplomacy View Less

Maxime Kaltenmark was a towering figure in Chinese philosophy and Taoist studies. He earned his academic foundation at E... View More

Maxime Kaltenmark was a towering figure in Chinese philosophy and Taoist studies. He earned his academic foundation at EPHE and went on to head the Center for Sinological Studies in Beijing during a pivotal post-war era. Kaltenmark's work on Laozi, Taoism, and classical Chinese thought offered fresh interpretations of ancient texts for a Western audience. He was known for bridging philosophical and religious traditions in a way that respected the integrity of both. His teaching at EPHE nurtured a new generation of French Sinologists and helped solidify the institution’s role as a hub for Asian religious and philosophical studies View Less

Mariama Hima, from Niger, is a multi-talented figure—an ethnologist, politician, and filmmaker. She studied ethnology ... View More

Mariama Hima, from Niger, is a multi-talented figure—an ethnologist, politician, and filmmaker. She studied ethnology at EPHE, where she developed a keen interest in cultural preservation and oral traditions. Her documentary films highlight the lives, rituals, and heritage of Sahelian communities, capturing them with anthropological sensitivity and cinematic grace. She later served as Niger’s Minister of Culture and as an ambassador, proving that scholarly training can fuel both artistic and diplomatic careers. Hima’s life and work reflect EPHE’s vision: academic depth that extends into real-world cultural impact and national identity-building. View Less

François-Maurice Allotte de La Fuÿe was a French military officer turned archaeologist and numismatist. After his educ... View More

François-Maurice Allotte de La Fuÿe was a French military officer turned archaeologist and numismatist. After his education at EPHE, he pursued a career that combined field exploration with historical inquiry. He participated in major excavations in the Middle East, contributing significantly to the understanding of ancient Mesopotamian coinage and art. His meticulous records and interdisciplinary approach helped shape early 20th-century archaeological methods. La Fuÿe’s work exemplifies the EPHE ethos—where fieldwork and theoretical scholarship go hand in hand, and where diverse disciplines inform one another in the search for historical truth. View Less

Mario Roques was a literary scholar and one of the foremost French experts in medieval Romance literature. After his aca... View More

Mario Roques was a literary scholar and one of the foremost French experts in medieval Romance literature. After his academic formation at EPHE, he became known for translating and interpreting Old French and Occitan texts, making them accessible to modern readers. He was particularly devoted to studying Roman de Renart, medieval fables, and courtly poetry. Roques' work brought scholarly attention to the literary richness of the Middle Ages and helped preserve France’s early literary heritage. As a professor, editor, and translator, his influence extended far beyond the classroom, helping revive interest in medieval storytelling across Europe. View Less

Ramon d’Abadal i de Vinyals was a Catalan historian, politician, and journalist whose work helped shape the understand... View More

Ramon d’Abadal i de Vinyals was a Catalan historian, politician, and journalist whose work helped shape the understanding of Catalonia’s medieval roots. He studied at EPHE in the early 20th century, focusing on philology and medieval law. He later became known for his research on Catalan charters and the early medieval period in Spain. D’Abadal’s scholarship was deeply tied to his identity and politics—he used history to assert Catalan autonomy and cultural depth. His dual career in academia and public service represents EPHE’s influence beyond the borders of France and into debates on identity, language, and regional sovereignty. View Less