Photos courtesy of Princeton University.
At its 2025 Commencement ceremony, Princeton University awarded an honorary Doctor of Science to Omar Yaghi, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to chemistry and his enduring impact on global scientific advancement. Yaghi, the newly appointed University Professor by the Regents and the James and Neeltje Tretter Professor of Chemistry at the College of Chemistry and co-director and chief scientist of the Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet (BIDMaP), is celebrated for pioneering reticular chemistry — a field that has transformed approaches to molecular design and materials science.
Princeton's honorary doctorate is one of the highest academic distinctions in the United States, granted only to individuals whose achievements reflect scholarly excellence and align with the University's mission to advance knowledge and serve humanity. Recipients are chosen through a confidential and highly selective process led by a committee of trustees and community members. Yaghi was one of six individuals honored this year.
One of the most cited chemists in the world, Yaghi's pioneering work on molecular weaving, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has laid the foundation for innovations in clean energy, water harvesting, and carbon capture. His inspiration, drawn from personal experience with water scarcity during his childhood in Jordan, continues to shape his scientific vision. His current research focuses on solar-powered systems that extract water from desert air — a potential game-changer in addressing global water shortages.
Upon receiving the recognition, Yaghi was asked to offer advice to aspiring scientists. Yaghi offered, "Be fearless. ... The most rewarding discoveries often lie beyond the boundaries of what seems possible."
