We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor KITAGAWA Susumu, Executive Vice-President, and former Director and Distinguished Professor at the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS) of Kyoto University, on being awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Professor Kitagawa pioneered the development of a novel class of porous materials—porous coordination polymers—that had not previously existed. He was the first to demonstrate that these materials can store substantial volumes of gas and facilitate selective gas adsorption. This body of research is expected to make a significant contribution toward addressing critical challenges in the fields of energy, environment, and medicine.

This line of research has been consistently supported by the Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) since the 1990s. We are thrilled that Professor Kitagawa’s longstanding research endeavors have garnered widespread international recognition, culminating in this prestigious award.

Professor Kitagawa also served as the Director of one of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) centers, iCeMS, administered by JSPS as the secretariat. In this capacity, he spearheaded the development of an internationally recognized research hub by fostering the interdisciplinary integration of materials chemistry and life sciences. Moreover, from 2004 to 2006, Professor Kitagawa held the position of Program Officer  at JSPS’s Research Center for Science Systems, where he made substantial contributions to the promotion and advancement of academic research.

The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Professor Kitagawa will undoubtedly serve as a profound source of hope and encouragement for researchers engaged in academic pursuits, as well as for the next generation poised to lead the future of scientific inquiry.

At the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, we support original and pioneering research rooted in the autonomous and creative intellectual pursuits of researchers through a range of programs, including KAKENHI. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in fulfilling this mission and will continue to contribute to the advancement and betterment of the global community through the promotion of academic endeavor.