President Zoran Milanović on Monday decorated John Matthew Martinis, an American physicist of Croatian origin and Nobel Prize winner in physics. He presented him with the Grand Cross of King Dmitar Zvonimir with sash and star, the Presidential Office announced.
The award was given for his contribution to the development and promotion of quantum physics and technology worldwide. The Presidential Office also highlighted his proud emphasis on Croatian roots and the transfer of top-tier knowledge to the Croatian academic community.
Martinis received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2025, jointly with John Clarke and Michel Devoret, for work on macroscopic quantum phenomena in superconductors. Milanović described this as one of the most prestigious international recognitions for scientific achievements.
The President said that occasions like this are rare, as few people of Croatian descent have received the Nobel Prize, particularly in the exact sciences. "After many decades, you are the first person of entirely Croatian origin to receive this highest award," Milanović said. He added that Martinis, whose parents are from Vis, spreads a positive image of Croatia in the world through his constant emphasis on his roots. The President also wished the guest a happy birthday at the start of the ceremony.
Martinis thanked them for the honour and the invitation, saying he felt as though he had come home in Croatia. "I simply felt very welcome here. I have made many friends and I truly appreciate all the effort people put in," he said. "I miss the community we have in San Pedro, California," added the Nobel laureate who lives in that US state.
Attending the ceremony at the Presidential Office were the Croatian ambassador to Sweden Siniša Grgić, the US ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw, and the first secretary of the US embassy Ross Johnston, along with the President's advisers and collaborators.
