The announcement of Professor Omar Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, as a 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate has resonated strongly with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), following his 2024 engagement with the institution during the launch of the Berkeley Global Science Institute (BGSI) Africa Node.
Prof Yaghi shares the Nobel Prize with Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne and Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University for their work in reticular chemistry and the creation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), highly porous molecular structures capable of capturing and storing gases and harvesting water from the air. These innovations hold immense potential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, clean energy access, and water scarcity.
Prof Yaghi visited UJ as part of the launch of the BGSI Africa Node, an initiative spearheaded by Professor Banothile Makhubela, Department of Chemical Sciences, Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis in the Faculty of Science, UJ.
The Africa Node is a collaborative platform between:
• University of Johannesburg (South Africa) – led by Prof Banothile Makhubela
• Stellenbosch University (South Africa) – led by Prof Len Barbour
• Midlands State University (Zimbabwe) – led by Prof Gift Mehlana
• Catholic University of Cameroon (Cameroon) – led by Prof Francoise Amombo-Noa
• Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) – directed by Prof Lars Öhrström BGSI, UC Berkeley designed to drive research, innovation, and capacity-building in water and energy security across the continent.
The launch event brought together researchers, students, and policymakers, including South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, Hon. David Mahlobo, to explore solutions for Africa’s growing sustainability challenges. Prof Yaghi’s participation highlights his commitment to ensuring that cutting-edge science transcends borders and benefits communities globally. As Prof Yaghi said in his first interview after the prize announcement: “Smart people, talented people, skilled people exist everywhere. That’s why we really should focus on unleashing their potential through providing them with opportunity. ”
“On behalf of UJ, I wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Yaghi on this extraordinary achievement,” said Prof Moteetee. “It was an honour to host him at UJ for the launch of the BGSI Africa Node. His Nobel Prize win reaffirms the transformative power of scientific collaboration and the value of partnerships that advance knowledge to improve lives. His work exemplifies what we at UJ stand for: innovation with impact.”
Through the BGSI Africa Node, partners continue to advance joint research initiatives, exchange programmes, and student mentorships that address the pressing issues of water scarcity, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management. The initiative is set to empower emerging African researchers while fostering global collaboration in science and technology.
Prof Yaghi’s recognition by the Nobel Committee further elevates the importance of the Africa Node and the shared vision to harness science for the betterment of humanity. His contributions not only expand the frontiers of chemistry but also align with UJ’s mission to be a university of the future, driving solutions for a more sustainable and equitable world.
Prof Moteetee concluded that this collaboration “symbolises UJ’s growing influence as a hub for global scientific partnerships and applied research that directly responds to Africa’s needs. Prof Yaghi’s work reflects UJ’s own mission to reimagine the future through innovation, collaboration, and impact-driven research.”
