2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Scientists Who Solved the Mystery of Mirror-Image Molecules
Frenchman Henri Kagan and Japanese Kenso Soai were awarded for their groundbreaking work on asymmetric molecules, which are of vital importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Scientists Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry by proving that chemical reactions can be directed to favor a single molecular mirror image.
Winners of the Prize and Historic Achievement
Frenchman Henri Kagan and Japanese Kenso Soai won the 2026 Nobel Chemistry Prize by shedding light on the long-unsolved mystery of asymmetric mirror-image molecules. This significant achievement was built upon foundations laid in the 19th century by French chemist Louis Pasteur.
Critical Importance in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The discoveries honored with the prize demonstrated how chemical reactions can be guided to favor a single molecular mirror image. This development holds vital importance, particularly for modern pharmacy and the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
Ceremony and Prize Details
The 95-year-old French scientist Henri Kagan and the 76-year-old Japanese researcher Kenso Soai will receive their awards from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a ceremony to be held in Stockholm on December 10. The successful figures will also share 12 million Swedish kronor.