Australian is among 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners

University of Melbourne researcher Richard Robson is among three scientists awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Robson shares the honour with Japanese researcher Susumu Kitagawa and Palestinian-American scientist Omar Yaghi.

The trio were recognised for their research into metal-organic frameworks — molecular structures that can store gases and energy.

It’s hoped their research will help address “some of humankind’s greatest challenges”.

Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prizes were established after the 1896 death of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel.

The entrepreneur left his fortune to be awarded to those who “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”

The annual prizes are awarded in five categories recognising “outstanding efforts” in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, economics, and peace.

2025 Nobel Prize winners will receive a cash prize worth around $1.8 million. Robson shares the prize money with his co-winners.

Research

Robson has been a lecturer and researcher at the University of Melbourne since 1966. He is the institution’s sixth Nobel Laureate.

He is credited with producing the first metal-organic framework (MOF) in 1989, and has since continued to explore their many forms and applications.

MOFs are molecular constructions (groups of atoms bonded together) with countless tiny holes that allow gases and other chemicals to pass through, like a “diamond filled with innumerable cavities.”

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Kitagawa and Yaghi built on Robson’s work, separately making “revolutionary discoveries” between 1992 and 2003.

Kitagawa proved that gases could flow in and out of these structures, while Yaghi developed modified versions of the framework.

Since their discoveries, thousands of different MOFs have been created.

They are now used to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, harvest water from desert air, and separate PFAS from water. PFAS are also known as ‘forever chemicals’.

Winners

In a statement, Nobel Chemistry Committee Chair Heiner Linke said MOFs “have enormous potential, bringing previously unforeseen opportunities.”

In a congratulatory phone call with the organisation, Robson said: “Some people [said] it was a load of rubbish. Anyhow, it didn’t turn out that way.”

Melbourne Uni Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston said the recognition highlights the importance of Australian support for “long-term fundamental research” that can help tackle the “world’s greatest challenges.”