Trio Awarded Nobel in Chemistry for Innovations in Materials Science
Three distinguished scientists have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their innovative contributions to materials science. Susumu Kitagawa from Kyoto University, Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne, and Omar M. Yaghi from the University of California, Berkeley were honored for their work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This prestigious recognition was announced during a press conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm on October 8, 2025.
Innovative Discoveries in Materials Science
The laureates’ research has focused on developing molecular architectures that enable materials to store significant amounts of gas in compact spaces. These advancements offer potential applications for addressing pressing global issues such as climate change and the scarcity of fresh water.
One of the remarkable features of MOFs is their high surface area. The Nobel Committee likened a sugar cube-sized sample to having the same surface area as a football field. This unique property allows these materials to efficiently capture and store gases, making them useful for various environmental applications.
Aiming to Tackle Global Challenges
Omar Yaghi, who was born to Palestinian refugees, expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition. He emphasized his dreams of using renewable energy to capture and transform atmospheric elements, such as carbon dioxide and water, into valuable resources.
Some of the most promising applications of MOFs involve:
- Harvesting water from dry air
- Capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes
- Separating harmful “forever chemicals” (PFAS) from water
- Decomposing pharmaceutical residues in the environment
Yaghi highlighted the potential of MOFs in cement manufacturing, a sector responsible for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions. He noted that MOFs are already in use in some cement plants to reduce emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
Recognition and Future Endeavors
The Nobel Prize, awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, includes a monetary component of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.2 million). This year’s Chemistry Prize is one of the three major awards announced so far, following the honors for medicine and physics.
Richard Robson shared his experience of receiving the award, recounting how he celebrated the honor quietly at home. Meanwhile, Susumu Kitagawa expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition of his work.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry has a rich history, celebrating groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped the field. Previous winners have contributed to significant milestones, including advancements in DNA sequencing and nuclear fission.
This year’s award underscores the importance of materials science and highlights the impact of research on addressing some of humanity’s most significant challenges. With their groundbreaking work, Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi have undoubtedly carved a legacy in the scientific community.
