Omar M. Yaghi, a Palestinian chemist born in Amman, Jordan, in 1965, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his transformative contributions to materials science, particularly his pioneering work in developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that enable the harvesting of water from the atmosphere. This breakthrough offers a promising solution to the global water crisis, particularly in arid regions where access to clean water is limited. Yaghi’s journey from a refugee childhood to becoming a globally celebrated scientist is a testament to resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
A Childhood Marked by Hardship
Yaghi’s early life was shaped by the struggles of his Palestinian family, who were displaced to Jordan in 1948 following the Arab-Israeli war. Born as the sixth of ten children, Yaghi grew up in a crowded household that lacked basic amenities like electricity. The family shared their living space not only with each other but also with their livestock, a reflection of their modest circumstances. Access to water was particularly scarce, available only for a few hours each week. Yaghi vividly recalls the need to conserve every drop, a memory that would later inspire his groundbreaking research.
“I grew up in a refugee family. I walked three miles every day to school, back and forth. I had hardship,” Yaghi shared in an online video, reflecting on his formative years. The daily trek to school and the constant awareness of water’s value instilled in him a deep appreciation for resourcefulness and perseverance. These early experiences would lay the foundation for his later work, which has sought to address global challenges like water scarcity.
Yaghi’s passion for chemistry was sparked at the age of 10 during a serendipitous moment in his school library. On a lunch break, when the library was supposed to be closed, he stumbled upon molecular models that captivated his imagination. He described this encounter as a “secret love meeting,” marking the beginning of a lifelong fascination with the molecular world. This moment ignited a curiosity that would drive him to pursue a career in chemistry, despite the many obstacles he faced.
A Journey to the United States
At the age of 15, Yaghi’s father made the bold decision to send him and his eldest brother, Khalid, to the United States to pursue better educational opportunities. Arriving in New York with limited English proficiency, Yaghi faced significant challenges adapting to a new culture and language. Yet, his determination and intellectual curiosity propelled him forward. Within a decade, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Albany and went on to complete a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1990.
Yaghi’s academic journey continued to flourish as he took on a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University from 1990 to 1992. He then served as an assistant professor at Arizona State University until 1998, followed by a tenure as a professor of chemistry at the University of Michigan from 1999 to 2006. In 2006, he joined the University of California, Los Angeles, before moving to the University of California, Berkeley in 2012, where he currently teaches. At Berkeley, Yaghi has held several prestigious roles, including the founding director of the Berkeley Global Science Institute, co-director of the Kavli Energy NanoSciences Institute, and co-director of the Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet. His contributions to science have also earned him membership in esteemed institutions such as the US National Academy of Sciences and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
Pioneering Metal-Organic Frameworks
Yaghi’s most significant scientific contributions lie in his development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous, crystalline materials that have revolutionized materials science. MOFs are constructed by combining metal ions with organic molecules to form highly ordered, cage-like structures with vast surface areas. These structures can be tailored to capture, store, or release specific molecules, making them versatile tools for addressing global challenges such as energy storage, carbon capture, and water harvesting.
Yaghi’s work on MOFs began in the 1990s and has since led to over 300 publications, with his research being cited more than 250,000 times, a testament to his profound influence in the field of chemistry. His ability to design and synthesize these materials with precision has opened new avenues for innovation, particularly in addressing the global water crisis.
A Solution to Water Scarcity
One of Yaghi’s most impactful applications of MOFs is in atmospheric water harvesting, a technology that extracts water from the air, even in extremely dry environments. By designing MOFs with specific properties, Yaghi and his team have created materials capable of capturing water vapor from the atmosphere and releasing it as liquid water with minimal energy input. This technology is particularly promising for arid regions, where traditional water sources are scarce or nonexistent.
To bring this innovation to the world, Yaghi founded the Atoco Mission, a research initiative dedicated to developing advanced systems for atmospheric water harvesting. The mission focuses on scaling up these technologies to provide sustainable access to clean water in drought-stricken and environmentally stressed regions. By addressing water scarcity, Yaghi’s work offers a lifeline to communities facing the devastating impacts of climate change and resource depletion.
The potential of Yaghi’s water-harvesting technology cannot be overstated. In a world where over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and climate change exacerbates drought conditions, his innovations provide a scalable, sustainable solution. Unlike traditional methods that rely on energy-intensive processes like desalination, Yaghi’s MOF-based systems operate efficiently, even in low-humidity environments, making them ideal for regions like the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South Asia.
Global Recognition and Impact
Yaghi’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades in addition to the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In 2015, he received the King Faisal International Prize in Science, followed by the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in 2017 and the Wolf Prize in Chemistry in 2018. In 2024, he was honored with the Balzan Prize, further cementing his status as a leading figure in chemistry. These awards recognize not only his scientific achievements but also the tangible impact of his work on global challenges like water scarcity and climate change.
The Nobel Prize, announced in 2025, highlights Yaghi’s role in advancing materials science and his innovative approach to solving the water crisis. The award ceremony, set to take place in Stockholm on December 10, 2025—the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death—will celebrate Yaghi’s contributions alongside other laureates. The recognition underscores the importance of his work in providing sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most urgent problems.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Yaghi’s story is not just one of scientific achievement but also of personal triumph. From his humble beginnings as a refugee in Jordan to his rise as a global leader in chemistry, his journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists worldwide. His ability to overcome adversity—whether it was walking miles to school, living without electricity, or navigating a new country with limited resources—demonstrates the power of determination and intellectual curiosity.
His work also highlights the importance of science in addressing global challenges. By developing technologies that provide clean water to those in need, Yaghi is helping to create a more equitable and sustainable future. His contributions extend beyond the laboratory, offering hope to millions of people living in water-scarce regions and demonstrating the potential of chemistry to transform lives.
As Yaghi continues his work at UC Berkeley and through the Atoco Mission, his legacy is likely to grow even further. His research into MOFs and their applications in water harvesting, energy storage, and carbon capture positions him at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change and resource scarcity. The 2025 Nobel Prize is a fitting recognition of his contributions, but it is clear that Yaghi’s impact will continue to shape the future of science and society for years to come.
In a world grappling with the effects of climate change and population growth, Yaghi’s innovations offer a beacon of hope. His work reminds us that even the most daunting challenges can be addressed through creativity, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference. As he prepares to accept the Nobel Prize, Yaghi’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of science—and the enduring impact of one individual’s vision.
