How the Pioneers of Metal-Organic Frameworks Won the Nobel Prize
By Julia Robinson
From wooden models to thousands of structures, Julia Robinson tells the story of how Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa, and Omar Yaghi won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a vibrant international field of research with seemingly infinite potential applications. But just a few decades ago, these highly porous materials were a fleeting concept in a university lecture hall.
With their highly porous materials, MOFs are a vibrant international field of research.
Authors: Julia Robinson, Source: © UC Berkeley, © AFP/Getty Images, © University of Melbourne and © Science Photo Library
Author summary: Pioneers won the 2025 Nobel Prize.