Enrique Gaztañaga, researcher of the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) and member of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), who is currently on leave and working as a professor at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation of the University of Portsmouth (United Kingdom), has been given the Freedom of the City of London in a ceremony that dates back to Medieval England.

Gaztañaga was recognised for his significant achievements in space research, data and academia. Specifically, he contributed to the working group for ‘Measuring the Monument’, which aims to recreate the measurements made in the 1670s to prove that the Earth moves around the Sun, using the London Monument, which still stands in the centre of London and was originally built as a Zenith Telescope.

"I am deeply honoured to be recognized as a Citizen of London. In a world where we often overlook the value of our freedoms, it is important to pause and appreciate the liberties we enjoy, along with the scientific pursuits that continually expand our understanding. This recognition celebrates not only our shared heritage but also emphasises the critical importance of scientific inquiry and academic excellence—principles embodied by the Royal Society’s motto, Nullius in verba ('Take nobody’s word for it')",  says Enrique Gaztañaga, CSIC Professor at ICE-CSIC. 

The group ceremony was hosted by Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli at the Lord Mayor’s official residence, The Mansion House, on July 19th. A total of 40 people were honoured for outstanding achievements in their respective fields, including science, medicine, business, academia, education, and arts, as part of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Connect to Prosper’ theme. High-profile recipients of the award include theoretical physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.

The award is believed to have begun in 1237 and, from the Middle Ages until the Victorian era, it meant the right to trade, enabling members of a guild to carry out their trade or craft in the Square Mile of London. Nowadays, most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared. However, this award remains as a unique part of London’s history and as a way to celebrate relevant achievements and contributions to London or public life.