The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, that French scientist Henri Kagan and Japanese scientist Kenso Suyama have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Their research focused on solving a scientific puzzle that had puzzled chemists for over a century, related to controlling the composition of molecules that exist in two mirror-image forms.
The discovery is particularly significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, as many medicinal molecules can exist in two identical but non-superimposable forms, and one form may have a therapeutic effect while the other may cause undesirable or harmful side effects. The research provides a crucial tool for designing chemical reactions used in the manufacture of medicines.
The work of Kagan and Suyama builds on the scientific foundation laid by French chemist Louis Pasteur in the 19th century, when he discovered that some chemical compounds can exist in two forms, one of which is a mirror image of the other. Their research has paved the way for the development of new medicines.
The Nobel Committee for Chemistry, led by Heiner Linke, stated that this year's prize focuses on "basic chemistry." The Nobel Foundation emphasized the importance of these discoveries in developing compounds used in the pharmaceutical industry. Henri Kagan is 95 years old, while Kenso Suyama is 76 years old.
Kenso Suyama expressed his delight at sharing the prize with Henri Kagan, stating that he received the news while shopping. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is the third to be announced this week, following the prizes in Medicine and Physics. The winners will receive a financial award of 12 million Swedish kronor, along with a medal and Nobel certificate.
The prize ceremony will take place in Stockholm on December 10, which marks the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prize. This year's Nobel Prizes have recognized outstanding contributions in various fields, highlighting the importance of scientific research and innovation.
The research by Kagan and Suyama has far-reaching implications for the development of new medicines and treatments. Their work has provided a fundamental understanding of molecular composition, enabling the creation of more effective and targeted therapies. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizes the significance of their contributions to the field of chemistry.
Key points
- The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Suyama for their research on controlling molecular composition.
- The discovery has significant implications for the development of new medicines and treatments.
- The prize ceremony will take place in Stockholm on December 10.
