Sustainable Development Innovator - 2024 Tang Prize Laureates
A pioneer in reticular chemistry and sustainable development, Omar M. Yaghi was born into a refugee family in Palestine and raised in the desert on the outskirts of Amman, Jordan. He faced severe resource scarcity in his early years before embarking alone to the United States at age 15. His inspiring journey from studying in a foreign land to becoming an innovator in reticular chemistry is marked by perseverance and the pursuit of his dreams. Yaghi’s story includes a beautiful encounter with molecular structures in a library at age 10. Using a Lego-like approach to connect chemical molecules, he created metal organic framework (MOF) and covalent organic framework (COF) materials that successfully harvest water from extremely low-humidity environments and capture carbon dioxide from the air. While his initial drive stemmed from a pure fascination with chemical molecules and a desire to unravel the mysteries of matter composition, he gradually discovered the potential of his scientific achievements to improve lives worldwide. Yaghi’s interdisciplinary academic achievements, collaborative research breakthroughs with students, and the transformative mentoring programs for young scholars in developing countries demonstrate his commitment to innovation, openness, and selfless dedication to others.
