Applications Now Open for the 2027 Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature

Application Deadline:  June 6, 2026

About the Award

The application cycle for the 2027 Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature was announced as open by Sony Group Corporation (Sony) and Nature. Promising women researchers during crucial phases in their research and career development are championed through this annual award, which was launched for that purpose. Three outstanding early- to mid-career women researchers in technology, including science, engineering, and mathematics, whose work is driving positive impact for society and the planet are recognized by the award.
Location: New York | London | Berlin | Tokyo

About Sony Group Corporation

A creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology is Sony Group Corporation. Across its business segments Game & Network Services; Music; Pictures; Entertainment, Technology & Services; and Imaging & Sensing Solutions, Sony’s purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.

About Nature Portfolio

High-quality journals and services across the life, physical, chemical, and applied sciences are provided by Nature Portfolio, helping to move science and society forward. The leading international weekly journal of science, Nature founded in 1869 is housed at Nature Portfolio. Also housed here are the Nature research and Nature Reviews journals, the leading open access multidisciplinary journal Nature Communications, and open access journals including Scientific Reports. Some of the world’s most significant scientific discoveries are published by these journals collectively.

Award Benefits

• Prize: USD $250,000 to support and accelerate work related to their research will be received by each of the three winners
• Visibility: An opportunity to showcase their achievements on nature.com
• Recognition: Global recognition as outstanding women researchers in technology

Why This Award Matters

Globally, women remain significantly underrepresented in research and technology, accounting for only about one in three researchers and just 35% of STEM graduates worldwide, according to UNESCO figures. This disparity is even more pronounced in leadership positions and among award recipients.

The Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature addresses this gap by:

• Providing substantial funding ($250,000 per winner) to accelerate research careers
• Offering global visibility on nature.com, one of the world’s most respected scientific platforms
• Recognizing early to mid-career researchers at critical junctures in their career development
• Celebrating diverse disciplines – not only engineering and the sciences, but also entertainment and emerging technologies
• Championing bold ideas with real-world impact

By highlighting and supporting exceptional women researchers and engineers whose work makes a meaningful difference, the award encourages women conducting research across diverse fields to be proud of the value of their contributions. Innovative and groundbreaking ideas at every stage deserve to be seen and supported.

Judging Panel

Submissions will be evaluated by a judging panel of independent, esteemed technologists, scientists, and experts from around the world, including:

• Dr. Magdalena Skipper – Editor in Chief of Nature
• Hiroaki Kitano – Chief Technology Fellow of Sony Group Corporation

Evaluation Criteria:

On the merits of ambition, innovation, conceptual excellence, impact, and social significance, applications will be assessed.

Eligibility Requirements

• Women researchers conducting research and development in technology are eligible for the award
• Eligible researchers working within a university, research institute, or university spin-out company are encouraged to apply
• Early to mid-career women researchers in technology including science, engineering, and mathematics

For more details about eligibility, a visit to the award site is recommended.

Comments from Leadership

Hiroaki Kitano, Chief Technology Fellow of Sony Group Corporation, commented:

“Following the inspiring achievements of previous cohorts of winners and finalists of the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature, we continue to be encouraged by the breadth and depth of groundbreaking research being led by women across the globe. This award was created to champion bold ideas with real world impact, and we look forward to discovering the next group of researchers whose work across a diverse range of disciplines – not only engineering and the sciences, but also entertainment and emerging technologies — will help shape a better future for society and the planet.”

Dr. Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature, commented:

“The achievements of the winners and finalists of this award are a real inspiration. They demonstrate how creativity and excellence in research can translate into real world impact and help shape a better future for society. Yet globally, women remain significantly underrepresented in research and technology accounting for only about one in three researchers and just 35% of STEM graduates worldwide, according to UNESCO figures. At Nature, we are proud to continue our partnership with Sony to highlight and support exceptional women researchers and engineers whose work makes a meaningful difference. We encourage women conducting research across a diverse range of fields to be proud of the value of their contributions; innovative and groundbreaking ideas at every stage deserve to be seen and supported.”

How to Apply: Visit the award site to submit your application

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature