Three scientists—Japan’s Susumu Kitagawa, UK-born Richard Robson and American-Jordanian Omar Yaghi—won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday, October 8th for developing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
Robson first explored the potential of MOFs in 1989, creating spacious crystal structures with copper ions. Kitagawa and Yaghi later provided a stable foundation for these structures, demonstrating gas flow, flexibility, and customizable properties.
The jury called their work “revolutionary,” highlighting its wide-ranging applications.
During the announcement, Kitagawa expressed his delight at having his long-term research recognised. The laureates will receive their medals, diplomas and share a $1.2-million prize at ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo on December 10th.
The award follows the announcement of this year’s Nobel Prize for Physics on Tuesday, October 9th—also awarded to an international trio of scientists.
