Founded in 1983, TWAS is a merit-based academy dedicated to promoting excellence in scientific research and fostering collaboration across regions. This election recognizes Professor Eddaoudi’s life time scientific achievements and outstanding contributions to global science and reflects KAUST’s enduring commitment to research and innovation for a sustainable future.

Mohamed Eddaoudi, Ibn Alhaytham Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), leads groundbreaking research on porous materials known as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). His group conceived and introduced various powerful strategies for the design and construction of MOFs. The unique modularity of MOFs permitted the synthesis of various MOFs with unique features and superior capabilities in carbon dioxide removal from air, water harvesting, energy-efficient separation of gases, and methane storage. Their innovations—such as MOF membranes to cut energy use in gas purification—have wide-reaching impact, especially in regions working to balance rapid development with sustainable resource use.

“Our goal is to unlock and accelerate the discovery of new functional materials with potential to address many enduring challenges facing our society in energy and environmental sustainability,” said Professor Eddaoudi. “We design materials that turn chemistry into a solution—almost like LEGO Chemistry where molecular building blocks are linked with precision to provide solids with desired architectures and fine-tuned pore space to meet humanity’s most urgent energy and environmental needs.”