King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) honored Professor Omar Munis Yaghi, one of the world's leading chemists, in recognition of his pioneering scientific contributions that have placed him among the nominees for the most prestigious international awards. Professor Yaghi oversees the Joint Center of Excellence in Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Applications between KACST and the University of California, Berkeley, and his work is a testament to Saudi Arabia's efforts in supporting outstanding scientific talent.
Historical background: Who is Omar Yaghi and what is retinal chemistry?
Professor Omar Yaghi, an American scientist of Jordanian origin, is the founder of reticular chemistry, an innovative branch of chemistry that focuses on designing and building new crystalline materials by linking molecular "building blocks" into ordered lattice structures. His most famous innovations are metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). These materials are characterized by their extreme porosity and enormous internal surface area, making them akin to molecular sponges capable of capturing, storing, and separating gases and molecules with unprecedented precision and efficiency.
The importance of the event in the context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This celebration, held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Al-Dasouqi, President of KAUST, is a tangible embodiment of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places research, development, and innovation at the heart of its strategy to build a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy. Investing in world-class scientists like Professor Yaghi and establishing joint research centers with prestigious international universities such as Berkeley represents a strategic step towards transforming the Kingdom into a global hub for science and technology, attracting creative minds, and localizing advanced knowledge.
In his address during the ceremony, Professor Omar Yaghi expressed his appreciation for the support of the wise leadership, emphasizing that it was the decisive factor in creating a stimulating environment for scientists and researchers, enabling them to achieve world-class accomplishments. He noted that the leadership's vision of investing in national talent has contributed to building an integrated research system that places the Kingdom among the leading scientific nations. He affirmed that the collaboration with KAUST serves as an inspiring model for long-term partnerships that translate science from the stage of theoretical discovery to practical and tangible applications.
The global impact of retinal chemistry research
Professor Yaghi's research transcends local boundaries, addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. The materials he has developed hold immense promise in vital areas such as clean energy and the environment. For example, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used to capture carbon dioxide from power plants and factories to mitigate global warming, efficiently store hydrogen as a clean fuel for the future, and even extract fresh water from the air in arid desert regions. These applications make the partnership between KACST and Yaghi a significant international contribution to finding solutions for climate change and resource scarcity.
Inspiring the next generation of scientists
The celebration wasn't limited to recognition; it extended to inspiring the next generation of researchers. The winning research teams of the "Artificial Intelligence Materials Discovery Hackathon," organized by KAUST in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, were honored. The winning projects, which focused on using artificial intelligence to design new carbon capture materials, demonstrated the depth of young talent and their ability to keep pace with the latest scientific trends. At the event's conclusion, Professor Yaghi held a dialogue session with the talented students and researchers, sharing his experiences and emphasizing the importance of building a solid scientific foundation and developing research skills to contribute effectively to the future of innovation.
