Kagan and Soai win 2026 Nobel chemistry prize for single molecular mirror creation

The Nobel Committee for Chemistry announced Kenso Soai and Henri Kagan as the 2026 laureates on Wednesday. The two scientists were recognized for their work in creating a single molecular mirror image, a discovery crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturing. This marks the most exciting day in Soai's life, as conveyed to the Nobel Prize press conference.

Soai, Japanese by origin, and Kagan, French, shared the prize. The Nobel Committee highlighted the significance of this year's prize, calling it about foundational chemistry. The laureates' work has been instrumental in designing reactions for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, with many drug molecules existing in two variants that are non-identical mirror images.

One variant possesses the therapeutic effect, while the other can cause harmful side effects. The Nobel Foundation emphasized the importance of this year's award, noting that the laureates' work has paved the way for advancements in various industries, including climate change mitigation and water scarcity. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry will be presented to Soai and Kagan by Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf on December 10, alongside a lavish banquet at Stockholm City Hall. The laureates will share 12 million Swedish crowns (US$1.2 million) for their groundbreaking work.