Saimir Lolja, born in 1963 in Elbasan, Albania, has had a distinguished career spanning academia, science, and literature. After graduating from the University of Tirana in 1987 with a degree in Industrial Chemistry, he lectured in Chemical Engineering until relocating to Toronto, Canada, in 2000. There, he conducted scientific research at the University of Toronto and taught at Ryerson University and TDSB.

Beyond his scientific pursuits, Lolja has published over 100 newspaper articles in both Albanian and English, exploring diverse topics from history and politics to science and book reviews. His notable publications include The Foundations of Chemical Plant Design and Receta Pa Komb (The Nation-Free Recipe) , which discuss complex subjects beyond his field.

Lolja has also contributed as an editor to works on global political history and participated in the documentary film “The Albanian Code.” His frequent appearances on television and contributions to academic and public discourse highlight his role as a thought leader.

At the book festival, Saimir Lolja will share insights from his multifaceted career, offering festival-goers a unique perspective on the convergence of science, literature, and societal issues, enriched by his extensive body of work.