Sony Women in Technology Award 2026: Celebrating Innovation in Science and Engineering

Sony Group Corporation and Nature have announced the recipients of the 2026 Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature, recognizing exceptional early- to mid-career women researchers whose work in science, engineering, and mathematics is driving positive societal and planetary impact. The award, now in its second year, provides each winner with $250,000 to support and accelerate their groundbreaking research.

2026 Award Recipients

This year’s awardees represent diverse fields within technology, demonstrating the breadth of innovation led by women researchers.

Dr. Xiwen Gong – Early Career Award

Dr. Xiwen Gong was honored for her research on the molecular and interfacial design of solution-processed semiconductors. Her work is paving the way for continuous health monitoring and therapeutic interventions, advancing the fields of precision and personalized healthcare. Gong, a Schmidt Science Fellow, was commended for her potential impacts across healthcare, wearable technologies, and next-generation solar energy [Schmidt Science Fellows].

Dr. Ellen Roche – Mid-Career Award

Dr. Ellen Roche was recognized for her interdisciplinary research applying innovative technologies to the development of implantable and wearable medical devices. Her work extends to building robotic and computational simulators to enhance testing of device-tissue interaction, ultimately aiming to improve cardiac care. [Asia Research News]

Dr. Zhen Xu – Pioneering Histotripsy

Dr. Zhen Xu received the award for her pioneering work as a co-inventor of histotripsy, a non-invasive surgical technique utilizing targeted ultrasound to mechanically destroy diseased tissue without incisions. Her research addresses critical global health challenges in cancer, neurology, and cardiovascular medicine, and histotripsy treatment of liver tumors has already received US Food and Drug Administration approval. [Nature], [Asia Research News]

A Commitment to Women in STEM

Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature and chair of the judging panel, emphasized the significance of the award: “The Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature celebrates the ingenuity and impact of early and mid-career women researchers whose technology innovations are shaping a better future for society and the planet. This year’s finalists exemplify the transformative power of technology when combined with creativity and scientific excellence.” [Schmidt Science Fellows]

Hiroaki Kitano, Chief Technology Fellow of Sony Group Corporation, added: “We are honoured to celebrate this year’s Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature winners and finalists. Their pioneering contributions reflect the progress and impact this award was created to champion. These exceptional researchers are pushing the frontiers of science and technology, while inspiring the next generation of women to pursue bold, transformative ideas that benefit both society and the planet.” [Asia Research News]

Looking Ahead

The Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature serves as a vital platform for recognizing and supporting the achievements of women in STEM, fostering a more inclusive and innovative future for research and technology. The award underscores the importance of investing in the next generation of female scientists and engineers to address the world’s most pressing challenges.