Scientists win Nobel Prize for groundbreaking molecular discoveries

On October 8, 2025, Susumu Kitagawa from Kyoto University in Japan, Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and Omar M. Yaghi from the University of California, Berkeley, were awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks. This achievement is the culmination of research that dates back to 1989, where the trio developed a new form of molecular architecture that can absorb gases and chemicals in significant quantities. The Nobel Committee for Chemistry highlighted the unique properties of these frameworks, likening them to an enchanting object from the Harry Potter series, which appears small yet has an enormous internal capacity. This comparison underscores the potential applications of metal-organic frameworks, which include capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing toxic gases, facilitating chemical reactions, and even harvesting water from arid environments. Heiner Linke, the Chair of the Committee, expressed the immense potential of these frameworks for creating custom-made materials with novel functions. Omar Yaghi, in particular, has developed technology to harvest water directly from air through metal-organic frameworks. He noted the practical implementation of these concepts, particularly in low-humidity settings like deserts, where a microwave-sized water harvester can extract up to five liters of water per day. Yaghi, who was traveling to a conference in Brussels when he learned of the award, shared his astonishment at receiving such recognition for his long-standing research, which began in the early 1980s. This recognition not only underscores the contributions of these scientists to the field of chemistry but also emphasizes the ongoing need for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry continues to bring attention to essential scientific advancements, showcasing how academic research can lead to significant societal benefits.