Kagan, Soai win Nobel Prize for breakthrough in asymmetric chemistry

Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for groundbreaking discoveries in asymmetric chemistry that helped unravel the mystery of molecules existing as non-identical mirror images.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the winners on Wednesday in Stockholm.

According to CNN, the scientists’ research has had major implications for the development of medicines, flavours, scents and new materials.

Their work has “been revolutionary for chemists who develop reactions for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, flavors, scents and new materials,” the Nobel committee said.

David Pendlebury of Clarivate’s Institute for Scientific Information said the discoveries opened new directions for scientists studying molecular complexity.

“This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizes discoveries whose influence has unfolded over decades,” Pendlebury said.

“The award is a reminder that transformative advances often emerge from sustained, curiosity-driven research, and that the significance of fundamental scientific discoveries may take many years, or even decades, to be fully appreciated.”