NEW YORK, LONDON, BERLIN, TOKYO, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Group Corporation and Nature are thrilled to announce the first-ever recipients of the Sony Women in Technology Award, recognizing exceptional early to mid-career women researchers who are driving technological advancements for societal and planetary benefits. Each awardee will receive a grant of $250,000 to enhance and expedite their technological research efforts.
Honorees Recognized in Tokyo
The award ceremony held in Tokyo, Japan honored three accomplished winners: Dr. Kiana Aran from UC San Diego in the USA, Dr. Amanda Randles from Duke University in the USA, and Dr. Yating Wan from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a Judges’ Commendation was awarded to Dr. Jiawen Li from the University of Adelaide, Australia.
Mid-Career Winner: Dr. Kiana Aran
Dr. Kiana Aran received recognition for her innovative work in bioengineering. She is exploring fingertip sensors for viral detection while leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze various biomarkers, aiming for early diagnosis of cancer and neurological disorders associated with aging.
As a professor at UC San Diego, Aran is notably recognized for her groundbreaking contributions at the intersection of biology and electronics to improve precision medicine. Her portfolio includes a CRISPR-based electronic chip made from graphene, designed for the swift detection of genetic disorders and respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
Beyond her research, Aran advocates for women’s representation in technology by participating in organizations such as New Voices for National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. She also founded a non-profit to mentor aspiring women engineers and promotes international collaborations to foster an inclusive high-tech landscape.
Mid-Career Winner: Dr. Amanda Randles
Dr. Amanda Randles was honored for her pioneering research in “digital twin” technology, which utilizes wearable data to create computational models that provide personalized insights into cardiovascular conditions and improve treatment strategies.
As the head of the Randles Lab at Duke University, Randles has made significant strides in high-performance computing, machine learning, and personalized medical modeling. Her work is expanding into cancer interventions, where her lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets.
Early-Career Winner: Dr. Yating Wan
Dr. Yating Wan has earned the early-career award for her groundbreaking work in Silicon Photonics. Her research is focused on integrating light sources onto silicon chips, offering a more energy-efficient approach to data communication and processing.
Leading the Integrated Photonics Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Wan has made significant strides by integrating quantum dot lasers with silicon photonics, progressing toward the real-world application of photonic chips in various fields.
Judges’ Commendation: Dr. Jiawen Li
Dr. Jiawen Li was granted a special commendation for her visionary work in medical imaging. Li’s innovative combination of nanoscale 3D printing and optical fiber technology has led to the development of a hair-thin endoscope intended for cardiologists to assess blood vessels, aiding in cardiovascular risk assessment and personalized treatments.
Future Aspirations
As we look toward future cycles of the Sony Women in Technology Award, applications will open on March 6, 2025. This initiative strives to enhance gender diversity in the global research community.
Hiroaki Kitano, CTO of Sony Group Corporation, shared, “We launched this award in March 2024 with a clear mission of promoting diverse representation in research. We are deeply inspired by our honorees, who challenge the norms in their fields.”
Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief at Nature, emphasized the critical role women’s creativity and innovation play in addressing global challenges. Through the accomplishments of women like Kiana Aran, Amanda Randles, and Yating Wan, we see a bright future for women in STEM careers.
