The Generalitat of Catalonia will award its highest honor, the Medalla de Oro, to chef Ferran Adrià and physicist Caterina Biscari. Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat, announced the decision, citing their professional achievements and contributions to Catalonia. The ceremony is set for September 8 at the Saló Sant Jordi in the Palau de la Generalitat.
Ferran Adrià, 64, comes from Hospitalet de Llobregat and is widely regarded as one of the most influential chefs in Spain and internationally. He led the renowned elBulli restaurant in Roses (Girona), which earned three Michelin stars before closing in 2011. Since then, Adrià has focused on culinary new idea and educational projects. His previous honors include the Creu de Sant Jordi, awarded in 2002.
Caterina Biscari, born in Sicily, directs the ALBA Synchrotron in Cerdanyola del Vallès and is a basic figure in Spanish science. The facility specializes in atomic and molecular analysis and, under her leadership, has become a reference point in European scientific infrastructure. At 69, Biscari is credited with positioning the center at the forefront of scientific research through its advanced equipment and international collaborations.
The decision to honor both a chef and a scientist reflects the Generalitat's aim to recognize excellence across diverse fields. Recent regional initiatives have also focused on environmental protection, including Valencia's new incentives for forest conservation. In Catalonia, this year's focus is on individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on local society and the region's international reputation.
The Medalla de Oro de la Generalitat is reserved for people whose careers have brought impressive prestige to Catalonia. The upcoming ceremony is expected to draw attention from the culinary and scientific communities and highlight the region's commitment to celebrating new idea and leadership.
The ALBA Synchrotron is one of the most advanced research centers in Southern Europe, attracting scientists from across the continent. Ferran Adrià's influence reaches beyond gastronomy: universities and culinary schools worldwide study his methods and philosophy.
