BREAKING NEWS: Australian professor Richard Robson has just been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in molecular architecture. This prestigious honor, announced today, recognizes his collaboration with Susumu Kitagawa from Japan and Omar Yaghi from the United States, revolutionizing the field with the development of new molecular structures.
Robson, a long-time lecturer and researcher at the University of Melbourne, has spent decades exploring “big chemistry thoughts.” His pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has led to the creation of materials with vast surface areas, capable of significant applications, such as harvesting water from desert air and capturing carbon dioxide. The Nobel Prize committee highlighted that a material the size of a sugar cube can possess as much surface area as an entire football pitch.
In a statement, University Vice-Chancellor Emma Johnston praised Robson’s achievements: “This is the kind of blue-sky research that not many people get the opportunity to explore, and even fewer make the kinds of breakthroughs Professor Robson has achieved.” This recognition reflects not only his academic contributions but also the potential impact on renewable energy solutions in Australia.
Robson, now 88 years old, expressed his surprise at receiving such a prestigious award later in life, stating, “I’m very pleased, of course, and a bit stunned as well.” He emphasized the importance of fundamental research, calling it essential to translate scientific discoveries into practical products.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Mark Cassidy echoed this sentiment, stating, “Professor Robson is a humble man who has achieved this honour by simply doing what he loves.” He hopes this recognition will inspire future research in metal-organic frameworks, which could be vital in Australia’s push for sustainable energy solutions.
This momentous achievement adds to the University of Melbourne’s legacy of Nobel laureates, following other notable winners like Elizabeth Blackburn in 2009 and Peter Doherty in 1996. With the global community watching, this award not only highlights Robson’s lifetime of dedication but also signals a promising future for chemistry and environmental applications.
Stay tuned for more updates as we cover the aftermath of this significant win in the world of science.
