Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai win chemistry Nobel for ‘mirror image’ breakthrough | Science and Technology News
Kagan and Soai Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Breakthrough in Asymmetric Molecules
Stockholm — Scientists Henri Kagan from France and Kenso Soai from Japan have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on asymmetric “mirror image” molecules, a discovery that has significant implications for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Wednesday that Kagan, 95, and Soai, 76, were recognized “for the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.” Their research has elucidated how chemical reactions can be manipulated to favor the production of a single molecular mirror image, a vital tool for chemists in drug development.
Molecules essential to life exist in two forms that are mirror images of one another, similar to left and right hands. Organisms predominantly utilize only one form, a phenomenon known as “homochirality,” which has perplexed chemists for over a century.
Peter Somfai, a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, highlighted the importance of the laureates’ findings. “The left-handed version of a drug can have one effect, while the right-handed version can have another. We require methods for selectively preparing these variants,” he said. “The discoveries of this year’s laureates provide powerful tools for achieving that.”
Heiner Linke, chair of the committee, emphasized the significance of Kagan and Soai’s contributions in resolving a chemical enigma that has persisted for more than 100 years. He described their work as “spectacular,” noting its ability to demonstrate how homochirality can emerge spontaneously.
During a phone call with reporters following the announcement, Soai expressed his joy at receiving the award. “This is the most exciting day of my life,” he said. “I am very glad to share this prize with Professor Henri Kagan.”
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their development of metal-organic frameworks, which are essential for addressing challenges such as climate change and water scarcity.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is traditionally the third award presented during Nobel week, following those for medicine and physics. The literature laureate will be announced on Thursday, with the peace prize to follow on Friday.
Established in the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, the prizes in science, literature, and peace have been awarded since 1901, with interruptions primarily due to world wars. Nobel, a chemist, accrued immense wealth in the 19th century from his inventions, particularly dynamite. The economics prize was later added and is funded by the Swedish central bank.
