His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday received Jordanian scientist Omar Yaghi, a professor of chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, who was ranked second on Thomson Reuters’ list of the top 100 chemists in the decade 2000-2010.

During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah voiced his pride in Jordanians' achievements abroad, stressing that Jordan always welcomes the return of its scientists and talents who wish to utilise their knowledge and creativity in the service of their country.

His Majesty bestowed upon Yaghi the Order of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein for Excellence of the First Class, in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the fields of scientific research, education, and chemistry.

Speaking at the meeting, attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Yaghi said he is launching a science and technology initiative, named in honour of the King, to encourage young Jordanians to innovate and excel in these fields.

He also gave a briefing on the organic metals laboratory project, which will be implemented by UC Berkeley at the Royal Scientific Society as a research facility to stimulate creativity among young people and researchers in Jordan and the region in chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Yaghi was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015.