Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The 2026 Chemistry Nobel recognises discoveries of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
AI-generated symbolic illustration for MyNilgiris; not a photograph of the actual event.
The award recognises discoveries of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai have won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the decision in Stockholm on October 7.
The prize citation says it honours “the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.” Some molecules exist as mirror-image forms that cannot be perfectly placed on top of each other, much like left and right hands. This property is called chirality.
The laureates’ discoveries helped chemists understand reactions that favour one mirror-image form. The Nobel Committee said this knowledge has been important for designing precise chemical processes, including those used to make pharmaceuticals.
- Prize money: 12 million Swedish kronor, shared equally.
- Award ceremony: December 10 in Stockholm.
Sources
- Reuters — 07 October 2026: https://www.reuters.com/world/kagan-soai-win-2026-nobel-chemistry-prize-2026-10-07/
- Associated Press — 07 October 2026: https://apnews.com/article/e92801a294ba29d5ff1fbbf63904c977
- NobelPrize.org — official 2026 announcement schedule: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/about/prize-announcement-dates/
