Chef Ferran Adrià and ALBA Synchrotron director Caterina Biscari awarded Catalonia's Gold Medal

Chef Ferran Adrià and physicist Caterina Biscari, director of the ALBA Synchrotron, will receive Catalonia's Gold Medal (Medalla d'Or) for their "extraordinary" careers and their contribution to "projecting Catalonia onto the world stage" in gastronomy, innovation and science.

The Catalan government approved the awards, its highest distinction, on Tuesday.

Adrià is credited with having "transformed the language of contemporary gastronomy and placed Catalan cuisine at the centre of global innovation," while Biscari has "strengthened the international profile of research carried out in Catalonia." 

"Ferran Adrià and Caterina Biscari represent excellence, innovation, rigour and a desire to share with society the fruits of creativity and research," the government said.

In Adrià’s case, the government said he "has promoted Catalan gastronomy internationally and made innovation, rigour and the sharing of knowledge inseparable elements of his legacy."

As for Biscari, it highlighted a career that "combines scientific excellence, service to society and collaborative leadership."

It also described her as a "role model for women in science" who has helped raise the profile of women in decision-making positions in European research.

The medals will be presented on September 8 at an official ceremony in the Sant Jordi Hall of the Palau de la Generalitat. President Salvador Illa will preside over the ceremony.