Gold Medals for scientific merit
The Gold Medals for scientific merit recognize the careers of people or organizations that have worked for the city of Barcelona. They represent the public expression of recognition of the quality of the work done by these citizens in the world of science. They express their contribution and commitment to the city in the field of science.
Gold Medal 2025
On February 28, 2025, the Plenary of the Barcelona City Council unanimously awarded the Gold Medal for Scientific Merit to Josep Tabernero Caturla.
Josep Tabernero Caturla is a physician and researcher. He has been recognized for his pioneering advances in medical oncology and precision oncology, including the discovery of new mechanisms involved in tumor development and the design of more precise and effective targeted cancer therapies. Additionally, his dedication as director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) has contributed to establishing Barcelona as a global reference in the field of oncology.
Gold Medals 2024
On January 15, 2024, the Plenary of the Barcelona City Council unanimously awarded the Gold Medal for Scientific Merit to Andreu Mas-Colell, Lluís Torner, and Mercè Boada.
Andreu Mas-Colell is emeritus professor at UPF and Barcelona GSE, and president of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST). He has been honored for his dedication to placing Barcelona’s scientific community at the forefront of international excellence. Through his contributions to various institutions, he has helped establish Barcelona as a leading scientific hub, both nationally and internationally. His lifelong commitment to ideas, science, talent, universities, innovation, and research is also widely recognized.
Lluís Torner Sabata is a physicist and director of the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). He has been awarded the medal for his lifelong dedication to photonic sciences and for his ability to combine scientific enthusiasm with tireless management at ICFO, elevating it to the forefront of global scientific excellence. His work has also positioned Barcelona and its metropolitan region as a world-class research hub.
Mercè Boada Rovira is a neurologist with a PhD from UAB. She has been recognized for her contributions to the study of dementias and Alzheimer's disease, as well as for her innovative approach to combating the illness. Her work emphasizes non-pharmacological treatments based on a holistic approach to patient care, improving independence and quality of life, while also addressing the concerns and fears of caregivers. Her research has helped establish Barcelona as an international hub for excellence in Alzheimer’s disease research.
Gold Medals 2023
On 24 November 2023, the Plenary of the Barcelona City Council unanimously agreed to award the Gold Medal for Scientific Merit to Mercè Boada, Andreu Mas-Colell and Lluís Torner.
Mercè Boada Rovira is a neurologist and founder of the ACE Foundation. She is awarded the Gold Medal for a lifetime devoted to the study of dementias and Alzheimer's disease, and for her innovative approach in the fight against the disease, with which she has positioned Barcelona as an international benchmark for excellence in research in this field.
Andreu Mas-Colell is an economist, professor emeritus at the UPF and the Barcelona GSE, and is currently president of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST). The medal is awarded for his tireless dedication to placing the city's scientific fabric at the forefront of international excellence.
Lluís Torner Sabata is a physicist and director of the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). The distinction is in recognition of his vital dedication to the field of photonic sciences and the fact that he has placed the ICFO at the forefront of scientific excellence, projecting the metropolitan region and Barcelona as a world-class research hub.
