Sony and Nature announce 2026 Women in Technology Award winners
Sony Group Corporation and Nature have announced the 2026 recipients of the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature, recognising outstanding early- to mid-career women researchers whose work in science, engineering and mathematics is delivering positive impact for society and the planet.
Now in its second year, the award honours exceptional researchers working across technology disciplines and provides each winner with $250,000 to support and accelerate their research.
Dr Xiwen Gong received the early-career prize for her work on the molecular and interfacial design of solution-processed semiconductors. Her research enables continuous health monitoring and therapeutic interventions, advancing precision and personalised healthcare.
Dr Ellen Roche was recognised for her interdisciplinary research applying innovative technologies to the development of implantable and wearable medical devices. Her work also includes building robotic and computational simulators to enhance testing of device–tissue interaction, with the aim of improving cardiac care.
Dr Zhen Xu was honoured for her pioneering work as a co-inventor of the field of histotripsy, enabling non-invasive surgery using ultrasound without incision or injury. Her research addresses major global health challenges across cancer, neurology and cardiovascular medicine. Histotripsy treatment of liver tumours has received US Food and Drug Administration approval.
Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature, said: “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. Their excellence and dedication serve as an inspiration for the next generation of women in STEM, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions to making a more inclusive future for research and technology.”
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. We look forward to championing their work and evolving the program in the years ahead.”