Sony and Nature announced the winners of the 2026 Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature on , recognizing three researchers for their impactful work in science and engineering. The award, now in its second year, provides each winner with a $250,000 prize to further their research.
Advancing Healthcare Through Innovative Materials and Robotics
This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of technological advancements, all focused on improving society and the planet. Dr. Xiwen Gong, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, received the early-career prize for her work on stretchable semiconductor materials. Her research focuses on developing “electronic skin” capable of continuous health monitoring and therapeutic interventions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize personalized healthcare through wearable patches that constantly track vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure.
Dr. Ellen Roche, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, was selected for her interdisciplinary research applying innovative technologies to implantable and wearable medical devices. Her work centers on a “soft robotic sleeve” designed to assist the heart without directly contacting blood, a significant advancement over traditional ventricular assist devices (VADs). Traditional VADs pose a risk of blood clot formation, but Roche’s sleeve mimics the motion of natural muscle, reducing that risk dramatically.
Non-Invasive Surgery with Histotripsy
Dr. Zhen Xu, a professor of biomedical engineering, radiology, and neurological surgery at the University of Michigan, was recognized for her pioneering work in histotripsy – a non-invasive surgical technique using focused ultrasound. Histotripsy physically destroys targeted tissue without the need for incisions or thermal damage. Dr. Xu co-invented the technology, which uses sound wave pressure to liquefy cancer cells, offering a potentially safer and more precise alternative to traditional cancer treatments like radiation and thermal ablation. Notably, histotripsy treatment for liver tumors has already received FDA approval, marking a significant milestone for the technology’s clinical application.
Sony and Nature’s Commitment to Women in Technology
According to Hiroaki Kitano, Chief Technology Fellow of Sony Group Corporation, the award aims to celebrate and champion women who are driving progress in technology. “This year’s winners exemplify the impact this award was created to champion,” Kitano stated. “They are pioneering the frontiers of science and technology, and inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in these fields.”
Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-chief of Nature, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the creativity and impact of women in technology. “The finalists this year embody the innovative power that emerges when creativity and scientific excellence converge,” Skipper said. “Their outstanding achievements and dedication will inspire future generations of women in STEM and contribute to a more inclusive future for research and technology.”
Award Details and Future Applications
The Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature is open to early- to mid-career women researchers working in academia, research institutions, or affiliated university spinouts. A PhD or equivalent is not required for application. The award seeks to recognize trailblazers who are developing technologies with the potential to address global challenges.
Applications for the next round of the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature will open in . Interested researchers can find more information and register for updates on the official website: https://womenintechnology.sony.com/ja. A newsletter is also available for those who wish to receive notifications about the application process: https://natureresearch.formstack.com/forms/women_in_technology_award.
Further details about the award and the finalists can be found at https://womenintechnology.sony.com/ja/news/finalists-announcement-2026. Information about Springer Nature’s initiatives to support women in science is available at https://www.springernature.com/jp/researchers/sdg-programme/sdg5/women-in-science.
