From a Refugee Family to Nobel Laureate: Omar Yaghi’s Story

Nobel Laureate Dr. Omar Yaghi recently joined The Take after being awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He was recognized for his pioneering work in developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), innovative materials capable of capturing carbon and storing hydrogen.

Born into a Palestinian refugee family in Amman, Yaghi recounts how the adversities of his early life profoundly shaped his imaginative mind. He shares personal anecdotes, such as receiving fresh water only once a week, and connects these experiences to his later inventions, including systems designed to extract water directly from desert air.

This compelling episode was produced by Chloe K. Li and Melanie Marich with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Sarí el-Khalili and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili. The Take production team includes Marcos Bartolomé, Sonia Bhagat, Spencer Cline, Sarí el-Khalili, Tamara Khandaker, Kylene Kiang, Phillip Lanos, Chloe K. Li, Melanie Marich, and Noor Wazwaz, hosted by Malika Bilal. Engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio, with Andrew Greiner leading audience engagement. Alex Roldan is the sound designer. Video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke serves as The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Follow @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more.