# Xiaowei Zhuang wins 2026 Ernest Solvay Prize January 16, 2026 Xiaowei Zhuang, David B. Arnold Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, has been awarded the 2026 Ernest Solvay Prize by Syensqo “for pioneering the development of genome-scale imaging, which has transformed biochemical research, enabled spatial genomics, and created a new paradigm for understanding the molecular and cellular architecture of complex tissues.” The award ceremony will take place at the Palais des Académies in Brussels on March 10, 2026. Zhuang will receive the prize in recognition of her groundbreaking development of powerful imaging techniques that allow scientists to map and visualize the inner organization of cells and tissues at an unprecedented scale. Her work shows not only how the body responds to change, but precisely where this response takes place, enabling the mapping of chemical synthesis within tissues and individual cells and fundamentally reshaping how researchers observe biological systems and processes. “It is an honor to award Prof. Xiaowei Zhuang the 2026 Ernest Solvay Prize for her groundbreaking work in advanced molecular and cellular imaging. Her discoveries have opened new ways to study life at its most fundamental level as we can now map how an organism functions and responds to change. The Prize reflects our deep belief that fundamental research fuels long-term innovation and celebrates bold science that advances human progress, improves lives, and helps build a more sustainable future,” said Mike Radossich, CEO of Syensqo. “I am deeply honored to receive the Ernest Solvay Prize. This recognition highlights the importance of curiosity-driven research and reflects the collective efforts of many talented students, postdocs and collaborators who worked together to make the inner workings of cells and organisms visible and understandable,” said Zhuang. Established in the legacy of Ernest Solvay, who convened 24 of the world’s leading scientists at the first Solvay Conference in 1911, the Ernest Solvay Prize is Syensqo’s flagship scientific honor recognizing transformative advances in chemistry and related fields. Previously known as the Solvay Prize, the Science for the Future Ernest Solvay Prize by Syensqo continues this tradition by celebrating fundamental research with the potential to shape the chemistry of tomorrow and promote human progress. Awarded every two years and endowed with €300,000, the prize has recognized major scientific discoveries since 2013. Previous winners include Professor Peter G. Schultz (2013), Professor Ben Feringa (2015), Professor Susumu Kitagawa (2017), Professor Carolyn Bertozzi (2020), and Professor Katalin Karikó (2022). Several past recipients — including Feringa, Bertozzi, Karikó, Kitagawa, and Omar Yaghi — have been honored with Nobel Prizes, underscoring the Ernest Solvay Prize’s role in spotlighting pioneering science with far-reaching impact. Attendants and Jury members for the 2026 edition: Prof. Sven Lidin (President of the jury, University of Lund - Sweden) Prof. Donna G Blackmond (Scripps Research - United States of America) Prof. Steven Chu (University of Stanford - United States of America) Prof. Ben Feringa (University of Groningen - The Netherlands) Prof. Laura Gagliardi (University of Chicago - United States of America) Prof. Susumu Kitagawa (University of Kyoto-Japan) with assistance by Dr. Patrick Maestro (Consultant to Syensqo) and Prof. Anne De Wit (Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium). Read more via [Syensqo](https://fund.syensqo.com/nurturing-innovation/ernest-solvay-prize). See also:- [ Zhuang ](/news-and-events-faculty/zhuang) - [ Faculty ](/news-event-type/faculty) - [ Prizes & Awards ](/news-type/prizes-awards) - [ Research ](/news-event-type/research) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)