The Catalan government has approved the awarding of the Generalitat’s Gold Medal to chef Ferran Adrià and physicist Caterina Biscari, recognising their exceptional international contributions to gastronomy, innovation, and scientific research.
The executive council announced the decision on Tuesday, stating that both recipients have “projected Catalonia to the world” through careers marked by excellence, innovation, and public engagement. The Gold Medal is the highest distinction awarded by the Generalitat.
Global Recognition for Local Excellence
Ferran Adrià, born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat in 1962, is celebrated for revolutionising contemporary cuisine and placing Catalan gastronomy at the forefront of global innovation. The government highlighted his commitment to knowledge-sharing, rigor, and creative transmission as defining elements of his legacy.
Caterina Biscari, director of the ALBA Synchrotron in Cerdanyola, is recognised for strengthening the visibility of Catalan-led research internationally. Her career combines scientific excellence with cooperative leadership and service to society. The government also praised her role in advancing women’s representation in European research leadership.
Ferran Adrià and Caterina Biscari represent excellence, innovation, rigor, and the will to transmit the fruits of creativity and research to society.
Ceremony Set for September 8
The medals will be presented on September 8 at an institutional event in the Sant Jordi Hall of the Palau de la Generalitat. President Salvador Illa will preside over the ceremony, which marks one of the government’s highest formal honours.
Further details about the event are available on the official Generalitat agenda page.
Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by liniaxarxa.cat, lavanguardia.com, mangofashiongroup.com, europapress.es, NTM, gettyimages.com, LHDigital (L'Hospitalet), 3CatInfo Barcelona, president.cat, Línia Xarxa.
