2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Kagan and Soai

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded jointly to French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai for their pioneering contributions to asymmetric organic synthesis.

Their research focused on how chemists can selectively produce one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule. This area of chemistry is important because different molecular forms can have significantly different properties and biological effects.

The scientists’ work on asymmetric synthesis and autocatalytic reactions helped advance the understanding and production of chiral molecules. Such chemistry has important applications in pharmaceutical research and the development of medicines.

Kagan and Soai will share the Nobel Prize and its associated prize money. Their recognition highlights the importance of controlling molecular structure in modern chemistry and its applications across science and medicine.