NEW YORK,
LONDON,
BERLIN,
TOKYO
,
Feb. 4, 2025
/PRNewswire/ – Sony Group Corporation and Nature proudly unveil the first recipients of the Sony Women in Technology Award in collaboration with Nature. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional early to mid-career women researchers who are driving technological advancements for societal and environmental benefit, encompassing fields such as science, engineering, and mathematics. Each awardee receives a grant of $250,000 to further their research.
Award Winners Announced
The inaugural winners include Dr. Kiana Aran from UC San Diego, Dr. Amanda Randles from Duke University, and Dr. Yating Wan from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Dr. Jiawen Li from the University of Adelaide, Australia, received a special Judges’ Commendation. The award ceremony took place in Tokyo, Japan.
Mid-Career Recognitions
Dr. Kiana Aran was honored for her pioneering work in bioengineering, specifically her research on fingertip sensors for viral detection. She explores the integration of artificial intelligence with cutting-edge sensor technology for early diagnosis of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
As a professor at UC San Diego, Aran is renowned for merging biological sciences with electronics, contributing to advancements in precision medicine such as developing a CRISPR-based electronic chip for rapid genetic disease detection.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Aran champions women in technology through various initiatives, including the New Voices for National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. She founded a non-profit to mentor women engineers, promoting collaborative research efforts aimed at fostering diversity and innovation in technology.
The judges noted, “Aran’s impactful contributions to bioengineering promise significant real-world benefits for patients.” Her passion for being a role model in male-dominated fields such as semiconductors resonated positively with the panel.
Innovation in Digital Twin Technology
Dr. Amanda Randles was recognized for her cutting-edge research in “digital twin” technology, which uses computational models informed by wearable devices to deliver personalized insights into cardiovascular health.
Leading the Randles Lab at Duke University, Randles is known for her work in high-performance computing and the personalized modeling of disease detection and treatment. Following her success with heart patient interventions, her team now aims to apply digital twin technology to early cancer detection.
Commenting on her achievements, the judging panel affirmed that Randles has “the opportunity to significantly impact the evolving field of digital twins,” adding that her ambition to utilize digital models for proactive healthcare interventions is inspiring.
Early-Career Achievements
Dr. Yating Wan won the Early Career prize for her innovative contributions in Silicon Photonics. Her research focuses on embedding energy-efficient light sources within silicon chips to enhance data communication and processing capabilities.
At the Integrated Photonics Lab, Wan is celebrated for her work with ‘quantum dot’ lasers, a significant step towards the commercialization of photonic chips. Her collaborations with industry are aimed at applying this technology for practical uses in optical data communication and AI.
The judges commended Wan for her “substantial contributions to the future of data communication” and the potential she holds in transforming silicon photonic sensor technology.
Judges’ Commendation
The panel also awarded a Judges’ Commendation to Dr. Jiawen Li, whose groundbreaking work in medical imaging combines nanoscale 3D printing with optical fiber technology to create a groundbreaking endoscope for cardiovascular applications. This advancement could significantly enhance the ability to detect cardiac issues early on.
As an associate professor in biomedical engineering at the University of Adelaide, Li is not only innovating in medical technology but also working towards bringing her revolutionary inventions into clinical practice.
Commitment to Diversity and Innovation
“We initiated this award in March 2024 to bolster gender diversity within the global research community,” stated Hiroaki Kitano, CTO of Sony Group Corporation. “Our honorees exemplify excellence and innovation in their respective fields, and we are excited to support their endeavors.”
Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief of Nature, remarked:
“Women represent less than a third of the workforce in tech, yet their creativity and innovation are vital for tackling global challenges. Celebrating the contributions of Kiana Aran, Amanda Randles, and Yating Wan sets a powerful example for future generations of women in STEM.”
Future Opportunities
Applications for the next round of the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature will open on March 6, 2025. For more information on eligibility and application details, interested candidates can visit the official site and subscribe to the newsletter.
About Sony Group Corporation
Sony Group Corporation is a creative powerhouse underpinned by technology, encompassing diverse business segments. With a mission to enrich the world through creativity, Sony aims to inspire and connect people globally. For additional information, please visit their website.
About Nature Portfolio
Nature Portfolio serves the global scientific community with high-quality products and services across various scientific fields. Established in 1869, it is a leading international journal that publishes significant scientific findings.
Nature Portfolio includes various renowned journals and offers online platforms for millions of visitors, providing access to top-tier research and career opportunities.
About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is a prominent global research publisher dedicated to supporting the academic community through innovative products and services, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and fostering understanding worldwide.
