Scientists Kagan and Soai win 2026 Chemistry Nobel honours

With the 2026 Nobel prize for Chemistry declared today, scientists Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai join an exclusive group of global laureates. Officials in Stockholm recognised both researchers for their groundbreaking work regarding non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. This prestigious recognition marks the third category awarded during this year's Nobel week, directly following the medicine and physics announcements on Monday and Tuesday.

Exploring foundational chemistry

Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, explained that this year's honour focuses on foundational chemistry. He noted how many molecules naturally occur in two distinct versions that mirror each other, much like human hands. Linke stated that these molecules look alike but remain entirely non-identical, meaning you cannot place them perfectly on top of one another. Scientists refer to these structures as chiral molecules, deriving the term from the Greek word for hand. Controlling these molecular variations remains crucial for global pharmaceutical manufacturing, allowing drug developers to isolate beneficial effects while eliminating harmful side reactions.

Grand ceremony in Stockholm

Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel originally established these honours in 1901 to recognize extraordinary scientific, literary, and peace achievements. Nobel built his own 19th-century fortune primarily from military inventions like dynamite. Now, Kagan and Soai will travel to Stockholm City Hall on December 10 to receive their official medals directly from Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf. This traditional date marks the exact anniversary of Alfred Nobel's passing. Beyond international prestige, both scientists will share a cash prize of 12 million Swedish crowns, equating to roughly $1.2 million. They proudly follow last year's chemistry winners, Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi, who developed metal-organic frameworks to help combat global climate change and freshwater shortages.