Scientists Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi Awarded 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Metal–Organic Frameworks Development
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their groundbreaking work in the development of metal–organic frameworks, as announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The prestigious prize, valued at 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million), recognizes their innovative contributions to the field of chemistry.
During a press conference, Heiner Linke, Chairman of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, highlighted the trio’s achievement in creating novel materials with spacious internal cavities resembling hotel rooms. These materials can host guest molecules, allowing for the storage and release of gases similar to the magical properties of Hermione’s handbag in the Harry Potter series.
The laureates’ research focused on constructing molecular frameworks with expansive voids that facilitate the movement of gases and chemicals. These frameworks have practical applications such as extracting water from arid environments, capturing carbon dioxide, and securely storing hazardous gases.
Kitagawa, a professor at Kyoto University in Japan, Robson, a professor at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and Yaghi, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States, have opened new avenues for chemists to address pressing global challenges.
The Chemistry Nobel Prize marks the third accolade in this year’s series of awards, following recognitions in medicine and physics. Established by Alfred Nobel, the prizes have celebrated exceptional achievements in science, literature, and peace since 1901, with occasional breaks during times of conflict.
Alfred Nobel’s contributions to chemistry, particularly in the development of dynamite, laid the foundation for the wealth that supported the establishment of the Nobel Prizes. While chemistry laureates may not always receive as much public attention as winners in other categories, their discoveries have significantly impacted scientific progress, including breakthroughs in nuclear fission, DNA sequencing, and biotechnology.
Last year’s Chemistry Nobel Prize honored U.S. scientists David Baker and John Jumper, along with Briton Demis Hassabis, for their pioneering work in protein structure analysis and design, leading to advancements in drug development and related fields.