Zhen Xu (left), Ellen Roche (middle) and Xiwen Gong (right) are the 2026 winners of the Sony Women in Technology Award.
Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) and Nature today announce the 2026 recipients of the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature. Now in its second year, the award recognises exceptional early- to mid-career women researchers in technology (including science, engineering and mathematics), who through their research are driving a positive impact on society and the planet. The award grants each winner a prize of $250,000 to support and accelerate their technological research.
This year’s winners are:
Early-career
- Dr. Xiwen Gong, was awarded this year’s early career prize for her research on the molecular and interfacial design of solution-processed semiconductors enabling continuous health monitoring and therapeutic interventions, advancing precision, and personalised healthcare.
Mid-career
- Dr. Ellen Roche, selected for her interdisciplinary research in applying innovative technologies to the development of implantable and wearable medical devices, as well as building robotic and computational simulators for enhanced testing of device/ tissue interaction with the goal of improving cardiac care.
- Dr. Zhen Xu, selected for her pioneering work, as a co-inventor of the field of histotripsy, to allow non-invasive surgery using ultrasound without incision or injury. Xu’s research in histotripsy addresses major global health challenges across cancer, neurology, and cardiovascular medicine and histotripsy treatment of liver tumors has received FDA approval.
“We are honored 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,” says Hiroaki Kitano, Chief Technology Fellow of Sony Group Corporation. “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."
Speaking on the award, 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.”
More about the winners and their breakthroughs: Medical microbubbles, smart sensors and solar cells: tech breakthroughs honoured
The Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature honors outstanding early to mid-career women researchers who are spearheading breakthroughs for the betterment of society and the planet in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The award grants each winner a prize of $250,000 to support and accelerate their technological research.
The next application cycle opens in March 2026. For more information on the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature including details on how to apply, visit https://womenintechnology.sony.com/
Press contact
Hanna Berndt
Corporate Affairs
Springer Nature
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