Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. The discovery addresses a long-standing chemical puzzle regarding the spontaneous emergence of homochirality, as highlighted by Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. Kagan, aged 95 and hailing from France, is associated with Université Paris-Saclay in Orsay, while Soai, born in Japan in 1950, conducts research at the Tokyo University of Science.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences revealed the laureates during a ceremony in Stockholm. They are set to divide a prize sum of 12 million Swedish crowns ($1.7 million Cdn).
Upcoming announcements include the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday, the Peace Prize on Friday, and the Economics Prize on October 12. The Nobel prizes are traditionally bestowed on December 10, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s passing. In his will, the Swedish chemist and entrepreneur stipulated that his fortune should be utilized to establish awards for individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity in the preceding year.
