The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences honored Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai with the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on October 7, 2026. The ceremony took place in Stockholm, Sweden.

They were recognized for their breakthrough in non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, highlighted the significance of their work. He stated, “Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have provided a solution to a chemical mystery that is over a century old: how homochirality can emerge spontaneously.”

Their discoveries have had a profound impact on the field of chemistry, particularly for those designing reactions for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The reaction developed by Soai, known as the “Soai reaction,” has been pivotal in this area.

Henri Kagan hails from France and is connected with Université Paris-Sud in Orsay. Kenso Soai, originally from Japan, is associated with the Tokyo University of Science. At 95, Soai has made a lasting contribution to the scientific community.

Last year’s Nobel in Chemistry celebrated advancements in molecular structures. These structures can trap gases, aiding efforts in reducing greenhouse gases and harvesting moisture from arid environments.

The Nobel Prize festivities began with the medicine award on Monday, given to scientists who developed a light-based tool for brain research. Tuesday’s physics award highlighted a scientist’s work on neutrinos.

The literature award is slated for Thursday, followed by the peace prize on Friday. The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences will conclude the awards on Monday.

This year’s Nobel Prize includes a monetary award of 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to about $1.2 million. This sum can be awarded to individuals, groups, or organizations.