The rector of Ramon Llull University (URL), Josep Maria Garrell, and the vice-rector for International Relations and Students of URL and professor of marketing at ESADE, Carlo Gallucci, have been awarded the honour of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms). The honour is granted by the French government to academics who have contributed to culture and education.

The award ceremony was held on February 5 at the official residence of the consul general of France in Barcelona and was attended by the consul general, Cyril Piquemal, and the counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in Madrid, Anne Louyot, on behalf of the ambassador.

The honour recognises the work done on the French-Spanish University (UFRES) project, which has been led by the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) for the last two years. In this regard, Garrell explained that they were receiving the honour on behalf of an entire team. ‘For me, this medal is a collective honour, recognition of the work that many people have been doing on behalf of the CRUE for a long time. In my view, it is collective, an honour recognising a team.’

The URL rector went on to encourage the university community to join international projects such as UFRES. ‘We call on the political class, and the different governments, to facilitate and support these initiatives, with long-term visions and strategies.’

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Spanish and Catalan governments, as well as members of the senior management of CRUE, various civil society, diplomatic, political and academic authorities, and representatives of the institutions that make up the Ramon Llull University.