Nobel Prize in Chemistry Recognizes Three Experts for Groundbreaking Studies on Framework Materials
The prestigious award in the field of chemistry has been awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M Yaghi for their influential contributions on porous materials.
The scientists' studies could be applied to tackle some of the major global challenges, for instance capturing carbon dioxide to combat environmental shifts or minimizing plastic waste through sophisticated scientific methods.
“I feel tremendously honored and overjoyed, many thanks,” said Professor Kitagawa during a call to the media event following learning the news.
“How much time must I spend here? I need to leave for a scheduled meeting,” he noted.
The 3 winners will share award funds of 11 mln SEK (equivalent to £872,000).
Structural Design on a Heart of the Achievement
Their researchers' work involves how molecular units are structured together into intricate networks. Award organizers termed it “molecular design”.
The professors devised approaches to build structures with large voids between the molecules, permitting gases and other chemicals to flow via them.
These compounds are referred to as metal-organic materials.
This announcement was delivered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at a media briefing in the Swedish capital.
Professor Kitagawa works at Kyoto University in the Asian nation, Professor Richard Robson is associated with the University of Melbourne in the Australian continent, and Professor Omar M. Yaghi is at the University of California in the United States.
Recent Nobel Recipients in Science Fields
In the previous year, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker won the award for their research on protein structures, which are critical elements of life.
It is the third scientific award given this week. Previously, three physicists earned the Physics Nobel for their contributions on quantum mechanics that facilitated the advancement of the quantum processor.
Earlier, 3 experts' investigations on how the immune system combats pathogens won them the award for medicine.
One laureate, Dr. Ramsdell, did not receive the news for nearly a day because he was on an remote trek.
