Berkeley: Palestinian-American scientist Prof. Omar Yaghi has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in reticular chemistry and the creation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The award recognizes his decades-long contribution to materials science and environmental sustainability.
Prof. Yaghi, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, developed MOFs—porous structures capable of trapping, storing, and releasing gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide. His research has advanced innovations in clean energy, water harvesting, and pollution control. Scientists around the world regard his work as transformative for sustainable technologies.
Born to Palestinian parents, Yaghi’s journey from a refugee background to one of the world’s most respected chemists has been hailed as a story of resilience and excellence. His recognition is also seen as a moment of collective pride for Palestinians and the wider Arab world, where scientists often face structural and political barriers in global academia.
Leaders from across the scientific community praised Yaghi’s contributions to the future of sustainable science. His Nobel Prize has also renewed attention on the need for greater representation of scientists from conflict-affected and underrepresented regions in global research institutions.
