Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025: Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi Honoured for Pioneering Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their groundbreaking work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — a revolutionary field of chemistry that could help solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, including carbon capture, pollution control, and plastic waste reduction.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the award during a press conference in Stockholm, recognizing the trio for developing a new way of building “molecular architectures” — intricate structures made from metals and organic compounds that can trap, store, and filter gases and chemicals.
Each of the three laureates will share a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately £872,000).
A Breakthrough in Molecular Architecture
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are complex structures that function like molecular sponges, capable of capturing gases and pollutants with remarkable precision. The Nobel Committee described their work as “molecular architecture,” where molecules are combined to form frameworks with large internal cavities — or “rooms” — that can host and trap various substances.
These spaces within MOFs can be used to capture and store carbon dioxide, one of the main drivers of climate change. They can also absorb toxic chemicals and so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS) that persist in the environment for decades.
Professor Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University, who was notified of the win during the press event, expressed his gratitude:
“I’m deeply honoured and delighted, thank you very much,” he said, before adding with a laugh, “How long do I have to stay here? I have a meeting to attend.”
From Lab Curiosity to Real-World Solution
The story of MOFs began in the 1970s and 1980s, when Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi worked independently on the idea of constructing materials with controllable spaces between molecules.
Professor Richard Robson, now at the University of Melbourne, famously asked his university to drill holes into lab benches so he could model molecular structures using wooden rods and balls — a physical representation of how atoms and bonds connect.
Meanwhile, Professor Omar M. Yaghi, now at the University of California, focused on designing frameworks that could be customized to trap specific gases or molecules. His work laid the foundation for using MOFs in carbon capture, gas storage, and chemical separation technologies.
While most MOF applications remain at the laboratory stage, commercial interest is growing rapidly. Companies worldwide are testing whether these structures can be mass-produced for practical use, such as:
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Capturing carbon emissions from factories and power plants.
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Filtering pollutants and chemical waste.
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Breaking down toxic gases, including those used in nuclear weapons.
Global Recognition for Chemistry’s Expanding Role
Professor Sheila Rowan, Vice-President of the Royal Society, praised the laureates, saying:
“Together, they have helped lay the foundations of and set the direction for one of the fastest-growing areas of fundamental research in modern chemistry.”
Experts say the Nobel win highlights the vital role of chemistry in addressing global issues such as climate change, energy production, and sustainability.
Dr. Annette Doherty, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, echoed this sentiment:
“Every year, Nobel Prizes remind us of the chemists tackling the biggest challenges our planet faces — from cleaner energy and healthcare to protecting the environment and ensuring secure food and water for all.”
The Personal Journeys Behind the Science
Beyond their scientific achievements, the laureates’ personal stories add depth to their recognition.
Professor Omar M. Yaghi, born in Amman, Jordan, grew up in a single room with his siblings, without electricity or running water. Fascinated by molecular structures from a young age, he left for the United States at 15 to pursue his education. His determination and curiosity led him to become one of the most influential chemists of his generation.
Professor Kitagawa’s approach to research was inspired by the philosophy of the ancient Chinese thinker Zhuangzi, who emphasized “the usefulness of useless things.” The Nobel Committee noted that Kitagawa’s pursuit of scientific curiosity — without always focusing on immediate application — ultimately yielded discoveries of immense global value.
Chemistry for a Sustainable Future
The Royal Swedish Academy’s announcement underlines how scientific curiosity can lead to solutions for real-world environmental and industrial problems.
MOFs could soon play a central role in efforts to combat climate change by capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere or industrial exhaust. Scientists are also exploring MOFs for use in water purification, energy storage, and drug delivery systems — demonstrating their wide-ranging potential.
Although challenges remain, including the cost of production and scalability, ongoing research and investment signal a promising future for this innovative field.
A Week of Scientific Excellence
This year’s chemistry Nobel marks the third major science award of the week.
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On Monday, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to three scientists for discovering how the immune system detects and attacks harmful infections.
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On Tuesday, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis were honored with the Physics Nobel for their pioneering work in quantum mechanics, which paved the way for quantum computing.
Now, with the Chemistry Prize celebrating MOFs, the 2025 Nobel season continues to showcase science’s power to transform the world.
Conclusion
The Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2025 is more than just recognition of molecular innovation — it’s a celebration of human curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance.
From humble beginnings in classrooms and laboratories to global acclaim, Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi have built a foundation for chemistry’s future — one that may help humanity capture pollution, clean the air, and reshape the planet’s environmental destiny.