Scientists from Japan and France Receive Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Researchers Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai are awarded "for the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis", fundamental for drug manufacturing, announces the Nobel Committee.
TL;DR
- Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai are the recipients of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
- They are recognized for their discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
- Their findings are crucial for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, helping to produce the correct molecular mirror-image for therapeutic effects.
- The Nobel Committee highlighted the importance of their work in solving the century-old mystery of how homo-chirality can arise spontaneously.
- The prize money for 2026 has increased by 9% to 12 million Swedish kronor.