Stockholm, October 9, 2025 — The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Professors Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Omar Yaghi, and Hiroshi Kitagawa for their pioneering work in molecular frameworks that mimic the fantastical properties of Hermione Granger’s magic handbag from the Harry Potter series.
The trio was recognized for their development of advanced porous materials known as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), which can store vast quantities of molecules in extremely compact spaces. These materials have revolutionized fields ranging from gas storage and drug delivery to environmental remediation and energy harvesting.
The Nobel Committee drew a playful parallel between the scientific achievement and the fictional handbag that could hold an entire wardrobe in a seemingly small space. “This chemistry works like magic,” the committee noted, “allowing scientists to pack molecules with precision and efficiency that defies conventional limits.”
Professor Omar Yaghi, credited with inventing MOFs in the late 1990s, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the global collaboration that fueled the field’s growth. Carolyn Bertozzi, known for her work in bioorthogonal chemistry, contributed to the biomedical applications of these frameworks, while Hiroshi Kitagawa’s research expanded their utility in catalysis and energy systems.
The Nobel Prize comes at a time when MOFs and COFs are being deployed in cutting-edge technologies, including carbon capture, hydrogen storage, and targeted drug delivery. Experts believe the award will further accelerate research into sustainable and scalable molecular design.
The laureates will receive the Nobel medal, diploma, and a shared prize of 11 million Swedish kronor at the official ceremony in Stockholm on December 10.
