Henri B. Kagan
2026 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry | Pioneer of Asymmetric Synthesis & Discoverer of Non-Linear Effects in Catalysis | Professor Emeritus, Université Paris-Sud
Kenso Soai
2026 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry | Discoverer of Asymmetric Autocatalysis & Creator of the 'Soai Reaction' | Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Science
Kenso Soai is the 2026 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, honored with Henri Kagan for discoveries that solved a century-old mystery: how nature comes to favor just one of two mirror-image molecules. A professor emeritus at the Tokyo University of Science, he created the celebrated 'Soai reaction,' the first chemical reaction to produce a single mirror image by amplifying a tiny imbalance, a feat long thought impossible outside of life itself.
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Kenso Soai biography
Science speaker Kenso Soai is the 2026 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, celebrated for one of the most elegant and spectacular experiments in the history of chemistry. Awarded the prize jointly with Henri Kagan, he was honored for solving a mystery that had puzzled scientists for more than a century: how nature, and the laboratory, can come to favor just one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule, the property called homochirality that lies at the very foundation of life.
Many molecules, including the amino acids of living things, exist as two mirror-image versions, like a left and a right hand, yet life uses only one. For chemists, producing a single version rather than an even mixture was both a deep scientific puzzle and a practical necessity, since in medicines only one mirror image usually has the desired effect. Soai designed the first chemical reaction with the potential to achieve this, publishing the concept in 1995, and in 2003 he succeeded, creating a reaction in which only one mirror image forms. Other than life itself, no one had ever done it.
The Soai Reaction
Now known simply as the Soai reaction, it works through asymmetric autocatalysis: the product of the reaction acts as the catalyst for its own creation, amplifying the tiniest initial imbalance until almost only one mirror image remains. The outcome can even be tipped by influences as subtle as circularly polarized light or a chiral crystal, which is why Soai’s discovery, together with the non-linear effects found by his co-laureate Henri Kagan, has reinvigorated the search for the origins of life’s handedness. A professor emeritus at the Tokyo University of Science, he received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work the committee called one of the most spectacular experiments ever conducted.
As a speaker, Kenso Soai offers audiences a direct connection to a landmark of modern science, and to one of chemistry’s most beautiful ideas. His story is a powerful reminder that patient curiosity, and the willingness to attempt what others believe impossible, can illuminate questions as profound as the origins of life itself and reshape how medicines are made. It resonates far beyond chemistry, with anyone who values science, discovery, and the pursuit of understanding.
Kenso Soai Speaking Videos
BREAKING NEWS: Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry in Stockholm | AE1G
#ELSI2019 Symposium: Kenso Soai
Kenso Soai Keynote Topics
The Nobel Committee called it one of the most spectacular chemical experiments ever conducted. In this fascinating talk, Nobel Laureate Kenso Soai tells the story of the reaction that bears his name, a reaction that does something no one thought possible: it produces just one of two mirror-image molecules, amplifying the tiniest imbalance into near-perfect "handedness." He makes a profound idea, asymmetric autocatalysis, vivid and wondrous, revealing the beauty and surprise at the heart of chemistry.
Why does life use molecules of only one "handedness," when chemistry can make both? This is one of science's deepest questions, and Kenso Soai's work brought us closer to an answer. In this talk he explores homochirality and how his reaction can be tipped toward one mirror image by influences as delicate as polarized light or a single crystal, offering tantalizing clues about how life's asymmetry may have first emerged. A captivating journey to the frontier between chemistry and the origins of life.
Behind many modern medicines lies the ability to build a molecule in just one of its two mirror-image forms, the one that actually works. Kenso Soai, whose Nobel-winning discoveries advanced this field, explains why "handedness" matters so profoundly for pharmaceuticals and how chemists learned to control it. A rare, accessible look at the science quietly shaping everyday life, from one of its most celebrated figures.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Kenso Soai
Why Kenso Soai?
Kenso Soai is a 2026 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, celebrated for creating what the Nobel Committee called one of the most spectacular experiments ever conducted. Hosting him connects an audience to a landmark of modern science and to one of chemistry's most beautiful and surprising ideas, a reaction that solved a century-old mystery about why life, and matter, can favor one mirror image over its twin. His story carries themes that reach far beyond the laboratory: curiosity, elegance, perseverance, and the courage to attempt what others believe impossible. He is a distinguished choice for events celebrating science, innovation, education, and discovery. To enquire about Kenso Soai, contact Aurum Speakers Bureau.
Who is Kenso Soai?
Kenso Soai is a Japanese chemist, professor emeritus at the Tokyo University of Science, and the 2026 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. Born in Hiroshima in 1950, he earned his PhD from the University of Tokyo and has spent his career at the frontier of asymmetric synthesis, enantioselective chemistry, and the origins of chirality. He is best known for the "Soai reaction," the first chemical reaction able to produce just one of two possible mirror-image molecules, which he first conceived in 1995 and achieved in 2003. He was awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly with Henri Kagan of Université Paris-Sud, "for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis." His earlier honors include the Chemical Society of Japan Award and a Science and Technology Prize from Japan's education ministry.
What is the Soai reaction, and what did he win the Nobel Prize for?
Kenso Soai shared the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Henri Kagan "for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis," complementary breakthroughs that explained how "homochirality," nature's use of just one of two possible mirror-image molecules, can arise. Soai's contribution is the reaction now named after him. Many molecules exist as two mirror-image forms, like left and right hands, and chemists long struggled to make only one rather than an equal mixture. The Soai reaction solves this through asymmetric autocatalysis: the product of the reaction catalyzes its own formation, so the slightest initial excess of one mirror image is amplified, round after round, until almost only that one form remains. Remarkably, the direction can be set by influences as subtle as circularly polarized light or a chiral crystal. First conceived in 1995 and achieved in 2003, it was the first time anyone other than life itself had produced a single mirror image this way, and it has reinvigorated the scientific search for how life's "handedness" first emerged.
What topics does Kenso Soai speak on?
Kenso Soai's work speaks to the Soai reaction and the wonder of asymmetric autocatalysis, homochirality and the origins of life, and asymmetric synthesis and its role in modern medicine. His profile suits events celebrating science, chemistry, innovation, education, and the Nobel legacy, for academic, scientific, and general audiences. To enquire about Kenso Soai, contact Aurum Speakers Bureau.
How to book Kenso Soai as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Kenso Soai as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Kenso Soai's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Kenso Soai or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Kenso Soai speaking fee?
Kenso Soai speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Kenso Soai to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Kenso Soai.
How can I contact Kenso Soai?
We only work with Kenso Soai on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Kenso Soai and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Kenso Soai speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Kenso Soai for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Kenso Soai for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Kenso Soai is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Kenso Soai for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
