Nobel prize in chemistry 2026 awarded to Kagan and Soai

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, that the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to chemists Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai. The two scientists were recognized for their pioneering research regarding non-linear phenomena and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis, a field that has significantly advanced the methodology of chemical production.

Henri Kagan is affiliated with Paris-Sud University in Orsay, France, while the 95-year-old Kenso Soai is associated with the Tokyo University of Science. The Academy noted that their work has opened new pathways in asymmetric organic synthesis, enabling more precise control over chemical reactions. This discovery is considered a fundamental contribution to chemical science.

This award follows the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which was granted to three scientists for the development of molecular structures capable of trapping large quantities of gases. The recognition of Kagan and Soai underscores the ongoing importance of advancements in organic synthesis and catalytic processes in modern scientific research.