Dr. Michael O'Keeffe is a distinguished chemist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to materials and crystal chemistry. Born on April 3, 1934, in Bury St Edmunds, England, he earned his B.Sc. in 1954 and Ph.D. in 1958 from the University of Bristol under the mentorship of F. S. Stone. Following postdoctoral research at Indiana University with W. J. Moore from 1960 to 1962, he joined Arizona State University in 1963 where he currently holds the prestigious position of Regents' Professor Emeritus in the School of Molecular Sciences. His career spanning over six decades has established him as a leading authority in the geometric understanding of crystalline materials.
Dr. O'Keeffe's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed the field of crystal chemistry through his systematic analysis of periodic structures including nets, tilings, surfaces, and weavings. His work has provided the theoretical foundation for understanding and designing complex crystalline frameworks with applications across materials science. With an impressive publication record of three books and over 300 refereed papers, his research has garnered more than 170,000 citations, reflecting extraordinary impact across chemistry and materials science. He is particularly celebrated for his contributions to reticular chemistry, which has become essential for the development of novel porous materials including metal-organic frameworks.
The profound influence of Dr. O'Keeffe's work has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards including the 2019 Gregori Aminoff Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the 2007 Newcomb Cleveland Prize from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His conceptual frameworks continue to shape how scientists approach the design and analysis of crystalline materials worldwide. As a Regents' Professor at Arizona State University since 1994, he has mentored generations of researchers who have carried forward his systematic approach to crystal chemistry. His enduring legacy represents a cornerstone of modern materials design, with his geometric principles continuing to inspire innovation in the development of advanced functional materials.
