Chemistry Nobel Award Celebrates Three Researchers for Groundbreaking Work on Metal-Organic Frameworks
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is given to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M Yaghi for their foundational research on MOFs.
Their studies has potential to solve some of the major worldwide issues, such as trapping greenhouse gases to fight environmental shifts or minimizing plastic waste through sophisticated scientific methods.
“It’s a profound honor and pleasure, thank you,” said Professor Kitagawa via a call with the media event after learning the announcement.
“How much time must I spend here? I need to leave for a scheduled meeting,” Professor Kitagawa continued.
These 3 laureates will share award funds amounting to SEK 11 million (equivalent to £872,000).
Framework Construction at the Core of their Breakthrough
Their researchers' studies involves how chemical compounds can be assembled together into complex structures. The selection panel termed it “molecular design”.
These professors formulated approaches to build frameworks with substantial spaces among the units, permitting gases and other chemicals to travel within them.
Such structures are referred to as metal-organic materials.
The reveal was delivered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at a press event in Stockholm, Sweden.
Prof. Kitagawa works at the University of Kyoto in the Asian nation, Prof. Robson is associated with the Melbourne University in Australia, and Professor Omar M. Yaghi is connected to the University of California in the US.
Previous Nobel Winners in Science Categories
In the previous year, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker received the prize for their studies on proteins, which are fundamental elements of living organisms.
This is the 3rd science award given this week. Previously, three physicists won the physics award for their contributions on subatomic physics that facilitated the creation of the quantum computer.
On Monday, 3 scientists work on how the biological immunity attacks pathogens secured them the honor for physiology.
One winner, Fred Ramsdell, was unaware of the announcement for a full day because he was on an disconnected trek.
