Susumu Kitagawa, executive vice-president for research promotion at Kyoto University and distinguished professor at the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study (KUIAS), spoke at a press conference on the evening of 8 October following the announcement of his receipt of a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
At the press conference
Comments from Professor Kitagawa
I am deeply moved that so many of you have gathered here today.
My research focuses on creating new materials, and I have been working on developing materials with new functions that are different from those of the activated carbon and zeolites that you are all familiar with.
Taking on new challenges is something I value as a scientist. Though there have been many difficulties, I have enjoyed being able to actually create new things for more than 30 years. I am deeply moved to receive such a great honor.
Above all, I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues, students, and postdoctoral researchers, including those overseas, who have worked with me in chemistry. I am also grateful to my family for their understanding and support.
Also, I feel that I have been favored with a good environment. I have been able to immerse myself in chemistry, which has led me to where I am today. And I am still conducting research even after reaching retirement age. I am extremely grateful to Kyoto University for enabling me to pursue my research.
Comments from Mrs Kitagawa
It is an incredible honor for my husband to have received the Nobel Prize, and I am very pleased.
Although I do not understand much about his research, having seen his unwavering dedication to his work since our marriage, I can only say that it pleases me greatly to learn that he has been rewarded for his efforts. The contributions of his teachers, colleagues, and students have been immeasurably helpful, and I am extremely grateful to all.
Thank you.
Comments from President Nagahiro Minato
On behalf of Kyoto University, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Professor Susumu Kitagawa on receiving the 2025 Nobel Prize in chemistry in recognition of his outstanding research achievements over many years. As a member of Kyoto University, I myself am also truly delighted and deeply proud.
Professor Kitagawa has continued Kyoto University’s tradition of innovation and originality in chemistry research since the days of Professor Kenichi Fukui. As stated in the announcement by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, he has truly opened up an entirely new field in the world of chemistry, and today he has achieved this remarkable honor.
In addition to his research, in his capacity as Executive Vice-President for Research Promotion, Professor Kitagawa has been playing a vital role in promoting and reforming the University through his exceptional creativity and leadership. As President, I am deeply grateful for his dedication.
I last had the privilege of attending such a press conference for a Nobel laureate when Professor Tasuku Honjo received the Nobel Prize in 2018. I am filled with a sense of pride as I am once again reminded of the tradition of original, foundational research that has been cultivated over Kyoto University’s long history.
I am confident that his success will serve as a tremendous source of inspiration not only for the members of our University, but also for students and young researchers throughout Japan.
We at Kyoto University will continue our dedicated efforts to nurture outstanding young researchers, so that creative and pioneering research of global significance will continue to flourish here.
Once again, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Kitagawa on this wonderful and well-deserved honor.
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