Omar K. Farha
Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University
Welcome to the MOFia!
Prof. Omar K. Farha’s research seeks to solve exciting problems in chemistry and materials science ranging from energy and environment related applications to challenges in national defense by employing atomically precise functional materials. By exploiting the modular nature of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and porous organic polymers (POPs), we work to fundamentally understand the role of three-dimensional architecture in modifying a material’s function for applications in gas storage and separation, catalysis, water remediation and detoxification of chemical warfare agent simulants.
Recent News
Prof. Omar Farha - 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors
December 2025 – Congratulations to Prof. Omar Farha on being named a 2025 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, one of the highest honors bestowed upon academic innovators. This distinction celebrates Prof. Farha’s pioneering contributions to chemistry and materials science. It also reflects the creativity and dedication that define the Farha Lab and its members who made this achievement possible. Click to read more about this prestigious recognition or here to see the full list of 2025 NAI inductees.
Prof. Omar Farha - Crain’s Chicago Business - Notable Leaders in Sustainability
November 2025 – Prof. Omar Farha was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability. Read more here about Prof. Farha and fellow Northwestern Trienens scholars who earned recognition in this year’s list or read directly from the article (subscription required).
Prof. Farha Recognized as Highly Cited Researcher 2025
November 2025 – Prof. Omar K. Farha has been recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher for the 11th consecutive year (2014 – 2025) by Clarivate. Follow this link to see the full list of this year’s Highly Cited Researchers. Read more
Nanoscape: The Intersection of Nanoscience and Chemistry with Omar Farha, PhD
July 2025 -Check out the latest episode of the podcast Nanoscape: Exploring the Frontiers Ahead featuring Omar Farha! In the episode, Improving the World through Nanomaterials with Omar Farha, he talks about taking on the role of chair, the legacy of those who came before him at Northwestern, and discusses how the IIN is uniquely positioned to continue leading the field of nanotechnology.
Farha Honored with ACS-DIC Inorganic Nanoscience Award
2025 – Prof. Omar K. Farha has been awarded the 2025 Inorganic Nanoscience Award from the ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry. This award recognizes sustained excellence, dedication, and impact in the field of inorganic nanoscience. Presented at the Fall ACS National Meeting, the award celebrates mid-career researchers who have made significant contributions to the advancement of nanoscience. read more
Group News
MOF-terpiece!
December 2025
November 2025
MOF-cellent!
September 2025
June 2025
MOF-tacular!