Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 Awarded to Scientists from Japan, Australia, and the U.S. for Groundbreaking Work on MOFs

Stockholm, October 8: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Wednesday announced that the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry will be shared by Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University (Japan), Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne (Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi of the University of California (U.S.). Each of the three laureates will receive one-third of the prestigious award.

The scientists have been honored for their pioneering advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—innovative materials composed of metals and organic compounds that contain microscopic pores. These structures have opened new possibilities in gas storage, carbon dioxide capture, and chemical catalysis, significantly influencing modern materials science and sustainable chemistry.

The Nobel Committee praised the trio for revolutionizing the way porous materials are designed and used, calling their discoveries “transformative for environmental and industrial applications.”

Each laureate will receive 11 million Swedish kronor (around ₹10.3 crore), along with a gold medal and certificate. The formal Nobel Prize ceremony is scheduled for December 10 in Stockholm, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. As per tradition, when multiple scientists share the prize, the amount is distributed equally.

In comparison, last year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2024) was shared by David Baker, who received one half of the award, and Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper, who shared the other half for their groundbreaking contributions to protein science.