STOCKHOLM — The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday to scientists for breakthroughs in computational protein design, extending the field's dominance of recent chemistry honours. The announcement was made at a news conference in Stockholm.

The prize follows the physics award announced earlier in the week and completes the scientific trio of Nobel categories traditionally revealed in the first days of October. The chemistry committee cited the laureates' contributions to predicting and engineering molecular structures with practical applications in medicine and industry.

Computational methods for modelling proteins have reshaped pharmaceutical research over the past decade, allowing scientists to design novel enzymes and antibodies with precision that was previously impossible. These tools have accelerated the development of new therapeutics and sustainable chemical processes.

The award carries a prize sum of 11 million Swedish kronor, to be shared among the laureates. Hans Ellegren, secretary general of the academy, presented the citation and said the work had opened a new era in molecular science.

The laureates are expected to receive their medals at the formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, alongside winners in the other Nobel categories.