Two 2025 Nobel Laureates Join Korea University as Distinguished Professors
Recently, Korea University (President Dong-One Kim) announced that Prof. Omar M. Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, and Prof. Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University—co-recipients of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry—will join the KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology as Distinguished Professors, where they will collaborate on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in energy, environment, and biotechnology.
Profs. Omar M. Yaghi (left) and Susumu Kitagawa (right)
Photo credit: UC Berkeley, Kyoto Univeristy iCeMS
The two scholars were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering and advancing the field of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs). With the appointment of these two Nobel Laureates as Distinguished Professors, Korea University aims to accelerate innovative research dedicated to solving humanity’s common challenges and strengthen its position as a world-leading research hub. Their extensive global research networks and exceptional mentoring capacities are expected to drive the advancement of Korea University’s research community, support the growth of the next generation of scientists, and significantly contribute to the university’s mission of expanding its social responsibility and international role.
Korea University has been advancing the Crimson Project, an international collaborative initiative dedicated to solving global grand challenges. Profs. Yaghi and Kitagawa had already agreed to participate in this project and to accept appointments as Distinguished Professors at the KU-KIST Graduate School well before the Nobel Prize announcement. The Nobel Prize announcement on October 8 has further accelerated the project, providing strong momentum for its continued development and global impact.
The Two Scholars
Prof. Omar M. Yaghi is a world-renowned scholar who defined a new paradigm in chemistry by conceptualizing Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs). His groundbreaking work has opened new frontiers in energy storage and conversion, environmental remediation, and bio-convergence research. At Korea University, Prof. Yaghi will contribute to strengthening research capacity and fostering talented young scientists through collaborative research, strategic research consultation, and developing graduate students and early-career researchers.
Prof. Susumu Kitagawa, who first experimentally demonstrated the gas adsorption properties of MOFs at high pressure and has led global research on their structural diversity and properties, will work with Korea University researchers to explore new functionalities and emerging applications of MOFs. He will also support talent development by sharing the latest research trends and strategies through regular seminars, workshops, and graduate-level lectures.