Sony and Nature Announce 2027 Women in Technology Award

Applications are now open for the 2027 Sony Women in Technology Award, a global initiative recognizing outstanding early- to mid-career women researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The award, presented in partnership with Nature, aims to champion groundbreaking work with positive societal and planetary impact.

Award Details

The annual award will recognize three women researchers, each receiving a prize of $250,000 USD to support and accelerate their work. Winners will also have their achievements showcased on nature.com, amplifying their research and influence.

Eligibility and Application Process

Researchers working in academia, research institutions, or affiliated university spinout companies are eligible to apply. A PhD or equivalent is not required. The application period runs from March 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM GMT, through June 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM GMT. Award recipients will be announced in early 2027.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of independent experts, including Nature Editor-in-Chief Dr. Magdalena Skipper and Hiroaki Kitano, Chief Technology Fellow of Sony Group Corporation. The judging panel will assess applications based on ambition, innovation, conceptual excellence, impact, and social significance.

Commitment to Supporting Women in STEM

Hiroaki Kitano emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting women in research, stating the award aims to “champion bold ideas with real-world impact.” Nature’s Dr. Magdalena Skipper highlighted the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields – currently around one in three researchers and 35% of STEM graduates globally, according to UNESCO figures – and the importance of providing platforms for their contributions.

How to Apply

Interested researchers can locate more details and submit their applications through the official award website: womenintechnology.sony.com.

This award underscores a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for technology and research, recognizing the vital role women play in driving innovation and addressing global challenges.