The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2025, recognizing advances in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has thrust reticular materials into the global spotlight. MOFs—crystalline solids assembled from metal nodes and organic linkers—are increasingly viewed as a platform for precision design of pores, binding sites, and surface chemistry. In parallel, related reticular systems such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are expanding the toolbox for controlling charge transport, adsorption, catalysis, and selective molecular capture. Now, momentum from this breakthrough is being channeled into a new initiative for early-career talent.
Today, Atoco announces the addition of the Reticular Science Prize for Emerging Scholars and Innovators to its prize family. The award is led by Nobel Laureate Prof. Omar Yaghi, founder of Atoco and President of the prize. It is designed to recognize researchers who are shaping the next generation of reticular chemistry and engineering with original, high-impact contributions.
The prize will be awarded biennially and alternates with the main Reticular Science Prize. Eligibility is open to scientists and engineers with ten years or fewer of postdoctoral experience. The scope spans science, engineering, computing, and artificial intelligence as applied to MOFs, COFs, and closely related organic–inorganic solid materials. This emphasis reflects how modern reticular discovery increasingly blends synthesis, characterization, and data-driven methods.
Inaugurated at EuroMOF 2027, the first recipient will present their work to the international reticular community. The award package includes a silver medal, a US$2,500 monetary prize, and a certificate signed by members of the management and selection committees. It will also include a dinner with Prof. Yaghi and current selection committee members, positioning the event as both recognition and technical exchange.
Nominations will be assessed for originality, impact, and innovation, with special attention to achievements made within the past seven years. The nomination deadline is October 1, 2026, encouraging candidates to highlight recent advances and transferable methodologies.
“Reticular chemistry is a field built on bold thinking and the courage to reimagine how matter can be designed at the molecular level,” said Prof. Omar Yaghi. “This new prize is our commitment to the next generation—young scientists who will take these ideas further than we can yet imagine.”
For submission details and requirements, the secretariat directs applicants to Atoco’s prize page. Media and inquiries can be sent to the provided contact address, ensuring that nominators and candidates can complete the process before the deadline.
Subject of Research: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), reticular solid materials
Article Title: Atoco Launches Reticular Science Prize for Emerging Scholars and Innovators
News Publication Date: July 15, 2026
Web References: https://atoco.com/reticular-science-prize
References: EuroMOF 2027 (award presentation venue)
Image Credits: Credit: Atoco
Keywords
reticular chemistry, MOFs, COFs, emerging researchers, metal-organic frameworks, early-career innovation, EuroMOF
