"Don't follow the existing research." To truly make an impact, this year's chemistry laureate Susumu Kitagawa advises young scientists to think independently and follow their own path. Kitagawa was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work developing MOFs, porous materials which are able to store and release small molecules, in an amazing array of uses. Learn more: nobelprize.org/prizes/chemis…

Through the development of metal–organic frameworks, 2025 chemistry laureates Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi have provided chemists with new opportunities for solving some of the challenges we face. Following the laureates’ groundbreaking discoveries, researchers have created numerous different and functional metal–organic frameworks (MOF). So far, in most cases, the materials have only been used on a small scale. To harness the benefits of MOF materials for humanity, many companies are now investing in their mass production and commercialisation. Some have succeeded. For example, the electronics industry can now use MOF materials to contain some of the toxic gases required to produce semiconductors. Another MOF can instead break down harmful gases, including some that can be used as chemical weapons. Numerous companies are also testing materials that can capture carbon dioxide from factories and power stations, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some researchers believe that metal–organic frameworks have such huge potential that they will be the material of the twenty-first century. On 8 December, our three 2025 chemistry laureates will be sharing more about their research into MOFs in their Nobel Prize lectures. Tune into our live stream at nobelprize.org to find out more.