Chemistry Nobel Award Celebrates Three Scientists for Groundbreaking Research on MOF Structures

The prestigious award in Chemistry goes to three distinguished scientists for their foundational research on porous materials.

Their research may help address some of the pressing global problems, such as trapping greenhouse gases to combat environmental shifts or reducing synthetic debris through advanced chemistry.

“I feel tremendously honored and overjoyed, many thanks,” stated Professor Kitagawa in a telephone conversation with the news conference subsequent to learning the announcement.
“What’s the duration I need to remain? I have an appointment to attend,” the laureate continued.

The three laureates will share prize money of SEK 11 million (£872,000).

Molecular Architecture on a Heart of the Breakthrough

The researchers' work involves how molecules can be assembled collectively into elaborate structures. Award organizers described it as “molecular architecture”.

The experts formulated approaches to build assemblies with substantial gaps among the components, permitting various substances to flow within them.

Such materials are referred to as metal-organic materials.

The reveal was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in a news conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

Professor Kitagawa works at the University of Kyoto in the Asian nation, Richard Robson works for the Melbourne University in Australia, and Professor Omar M. Yaghi resides at the UC in the US.

Placeholder Nobel committee members with MOF model
Members of the Nobel committee display a example of a MOF structure

Previous Award Laureates in Science Categories

Last year, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker were granted the award for their studies on protein structures, which are critical components of life.

It is the 3rd scientific prize presented this week. Earlier this week, three physicists received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their contributions on quantum theory that facilitated the advancement of the quantum processor.

On Monday, three experts' work on how the body's defenses combats hostile infections earned them the honor for medicine.

A single recipient, Dr. Ramsdell, did not receive the news for 20 hours because he was on an off-grid trek.

Jack Sanchez
Jack Sanchez

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