The Rigaku Group extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Susumu Kitagawa, Executive Vice President and Distinguished Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, on being awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Professor Kitagawa has long been a pioneering figure in the study of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and other porous materials, leading the way toward a new scientific frontier of molecular-level material design. His remarkable achievements have profoundly influenced the advancement of chemistry worldwide.
On this historic occasion, we express our deep respect for Professor Kitagawa’s accomplishments and take great pride in having supported his groundbreaking research through Rigaku’s analytical technologies.
Partnership Between Rigaku and the Kitagawa Laboratory
For many years, Rigaku has supported research at Kyoto University’s Kitagawa Laboratory through X-ray analytical instruments.
Rigaku’s single-crystal X-ray diffractometers and powder X-ray diffraction systems have been instrumental in enabling precise structural analysis and the development of innovative porous materials that have redefined the field.
The “Rigaku / JEOL – iCeMS Innovation Core”: A New Collaboration
In 2025, the Rigaku / JEOL – iCeMS Innovation Core was established within Kyoto University’s Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS).
This joint research center—formed by Kyoto University, Rigaku, and JEOL Ltd.—aims to advance hybrid electron and X-ray structural analysis technologies.
Using state-of-the-art instruments such as Rigaku’s XtaLAB Synergy-ED electron diffractometer, the Innovation Core explores structural determination of microcrystals and structure–function correlations in advanced materials.
These efforts open new possibilities in areas once beyond the reach of conventional X-ray analysis, reflecting Rigaku’s commitment to “Empowering Science Through the Power of Seeing.”
The synergy between Professor Kitagawa’s vision of “creating functions through molecular-level structural design” and Rigaku’s analytical technologies represents a new model of academia–industry collaboration and a symbol of the future of science.
Press Contact:
Sawa Himeno
Director, Communications Dept., Rigaku Holdings Corporation
prad@rigaku.co.jp
Tel: +81 90 6331 9843