Chef Ferran Adrià and physicist Caterina Biscari awarded Gold Medal of Catalan government 

Famed chef Ferran Adrià and physicist Caterina Biscari, director of the ALBA Synchrotron, were presented the Gold Medal of the Catalan government on Tuesday for their "extraordinary" careers and contribution to "projecting Catalonia onto the world stage" in gastronomy, innovation and science. 

Adriá, credited with transforming "the language of contemporary gastronomy," and placing "Catalan cuisine at the centre of global innovation," exclaimed that the Gold Medal is the award he is "most proud" of. 

The renowned chef dedicated his speech to respect for one's profession, honesty and grace in the face of success. 

He also exclaimed that his experience at El Bulli has "empowered" new generations in the field of gastronomy. Finally, he exclaimed that the keys to success lie in talent, training and courage.

For her part, Biscari called the award an "immense honour," bringing her "enormous happiness." She maintained that the medal is "above all for ALBA and for the science system of Catalonia." 

"Today, more than ever, we need science to build a sustainable future," she claimed.

Thanking both the support of her team members and the trust of the Spanish government for financing ALBA until 2038, Biscari closed her speech by thanking "her host country: Catalonia."

"Being here today goes far beyond the dreams I had the day I arrived in Barcelona," she said. "This medal means much more to me than recognition, it means belonging, gratitude and a shared history. Thank you, Catalonia."

Catalan President Salvador Illa, recognized both recipients as  "extraordinary" trajectories that "projected Catalonia to the world." "Ferran Adrià and Caterina Biscari represent excellence, innovation, rigor and the will to transmit to society the fruits of creativity and research," Illa said.

Illa also assured that the history of Catalonia did not progress with "withdrawal or isolation" but from openness and the exchange of ideas. During the ceremony, Illa stated that those who insist on projecting Catalonia as "closed, withdrawn and isolated from the world" do not understand the "nature" of the country and its people.

During his closing speech at the event, Illa assured that the two recognized personalities share the qualities of being “transformers of reality and visionaries." "They put all their effort into the service of their talent and decided to put that talent into the service of improving reality," he claimed. Illa said both demonstrated that Catalonia could reach the “highest levels of excellence in all fields, including science."