News brief · Reported 7 October 2026
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognises their discoveries involving non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Their work addresses how chemical processes can favour one of two mirror-image molecular forms. Such molecular handedness is an important feature of the chemistry of life. The award was announced on October 7;
Sources: Nobel Prize
Illustrative stock photo; it does not depict this event. Photo: Hans Reniers / Unsplash.