Others
October 08, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Susumu Kitagawa,
Winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Susumu Kitagawa, Executive Vice-President for Research Promotion at Kyoto University and Distinguished Professor at the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study (KUIAS), on being awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
This year, the prize has been awarded “for the development of metal-organic frameworks.” Dr. Kitagawa successfully discovered metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through the synthesis of metallic ions and organic molecules and the establishment of their conceptual foundation for the first time in the world. These materials utilize metal ions to assemble organic compounds into a three-dimensional structure. Due to their porous structure with numerous nanometer-sized cavities, they can adsorb and store gases and perform various functions. Researchers from all over the world have joined this new field of research, giving rise to a new trend.
Among porous materials, zeolite and activated carbon have long been widely used as adsorbents for gases. Dr. Kitagawa used much softer organic materials to create an epoch-making adsorbent that surpasses conventional porous materials in functionality. In addition, he established technologies to freely design the size and shape of the pores by arranging metals and organic molecules and deepened the understanding of molecular adsorption phenomena within them. These achievements have contributed to the development of gas adsorption, storage, and separation technologies, as well as applications in conductive and catalytic materials. They are also expected to contribute to environmental conservation and energy solutions.
We send our sincere congratulations to Dr. Kitagawa on receiving the Nobel Prize. The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) will continue to further strengthen its efforts to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in Japan.
October 8, 2025
Kazuhito Hashimoto
President
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Relationship with JST
ERATO (2007-2014)
Project: KITAGAWA Integrated Pores Project
Research Director
ACT-C (2012-2018)
Project: Methanol Synthesis in Porous Coordination Polymers as Reaction Field
Principal Investigator
ACCEL (2013-2018)
Project: The Nanospace Science of PCP for Molecular Control
Research Director
A-STEP (Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-Driven R&D)(2013-2014)
Project: Research on the Application of Ion-Conductive Coordination Polymers to Fuel Cells
Research Director
A-STEP (2015-2019)
Project: Research and Development of Fuel Cells Using Ion-Conductive Coordination Polymers as Electrolytes
Research Director
A-STEP (2020-2022)
Project: Development of High-Performance Methane Adsorption Materials Using Porous
Coordination Polymers
Research Director
EXPERT-J (Excellence Program for Engaging Research Talent – Japan)(*) (2025-)
Program Director of Kyoto University
(*)The strategic program launched by JST to strengthen international brain circulation and enhance Japan’s research capabilities based on the “J-RISE Initiative” announced by the Cabinet Office.JST supports top-tier Japanese universities - those comparable to a University for International Research Excellence - in establishing environments conducive to hosting outstanding early-career researchers from overseas, including Japanese nationals, under globally competitive conditions. The program aims not only to enhance Japan’s research capacity but also to promote long-term settlement of international research talent in Japan. To achieve these goals, JST provides institutional support to universities that have developed robust frameworks for accepting and fostering global research talent.