Nobel Chemistry Prize Awarded to Trio for Pioneering Metal-Organic Frameworks Breakthrough

Chemistry Nobel Awarded to Three Scientists for Breakthroughs in Metal-Organic Frameworks STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) — The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Wednesday that the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University in Japan, Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne in Australia, and Omar M. Yaghi of the University of California, US, for their pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The three scientists will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $872,000). Kitagawa, who was reached by phone at a press conference, expressed his gratitude and humility: "I'm deeply honored and delighted. Thank you very much." Their work on MOFs has been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the field of chemistry, with potential applications in addressing some of the world's most pressing issues, including climate change and plastic pollution. The Nobel Committee praised their research for its innovative approach to molecular architecture, allowing scientists to design and build complex structures from individual molecules. "Their work has opened up new possibilities for creating materials that can capture carbon dioxide, reduce plastic waste, and improve energy efficiency," the committee stated in a press release. Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi's research has been widely recognized as a game-changer in the field of chemistry. Their discovery has sparked interest among scientists worldwide, with many seeing its potential to tackle some of humanity's most daunting challenges. The University of Melbourne's Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Maskell, praised Robson's contribution: "Richard's work on MOFs has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of these materials and their applications." Yaghi, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, has been a leading figure in the field of MOF research. His team has made significant breakthroughs in designing and synthesizing MOFs with unique properties. The Nobel Prize ceremony will take place on December 10 in Stockholm, Sweden. The winners will receive their awards from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. This year's award marks a significant milestone in the field of chemistry, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in solving global challenges. As the world grapples with climate change, energy security, and sustainable development, the work of Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for science to drive positive change. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences will continue to recognize outstanding contributions to chemistry through its annual Nobel Prize awards. The 2023 prize is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists to pursue research in this critical field. *Reporting by Bbc.*