We are honored to announce the recipient of the 2026 Reticular Science Prize by Atoco: Prof. Omar Farha.
Established to recognize outstanding and original contributions to the science, engineering, computing, or AI of molecularly defined materials, the Reticular Science Prize places particular emphasis on impactful work carried out within the past seven years. It is presided over by Nobel laureate Prof. Omar Yaghi and chaired by Prof. Laura Gagliardi, with a Selection Committee comprising Prof. Lars Öhrström, Prof. Andrew Goodwin, Prof. Seth Cohen, and Prof. Vivian Wing-Wah Yam.
Prof. Farha has made pioneering contributions to the field of metal-organic frameworks, advancing the frontiers of reticular chemistry through a prolific and deeply influential body of fundamental research. What distinguishes this recognition further is the exceptional translational record of the recipient’s work. Through NuMat Technologies, Prof. Farha’s discoveries have been brought into commercially deployed technologies, demonstrating in a rare and compelling way how deep academic insight can lead to transformative real-world applications.
The Selection Committee further highlighted Prof. Farha’s creativity in identifying non-obvious technological opportunities, including advanced gas storage and handling for the semiconductor industry, the adsorption and catalytic degradation of toxic gases, and recent advances in the rapid decomposition of chemical warfare agents through MOF-based catalysis.
We extend our warmest congratulations to a most deserving recipient.