Sony and Nature have collaborated to create the "Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature" in an effort to support and highlight the achievements of women in the technology field. This new international prize seeks to bring recognition to female researchers and engineers who are making significant contributions to their respective domains. The award was officially announced on March 6 by Magdalena Skipper, the first female editor-in-chief of Nature, emphasizing the importance of encouraging more women to engage in active research and engineering roles.
The award will grant three exceptional female researchers with $250,000 each in research funds to further support their work. Sony and Nature expressed their joint commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology sector by establishing this award ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in research and technology, the partners aim to empower and celebrate emerging female talents in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering.
Researchers who have obtained their undergraduate degrees less than 25 years ago are eligible to apply for the award. The selection process will prioritize candidates in the early stages of their careers, with at least one winner having received their undergraduate degree less than 15 years ago. Applications for the award can be submitted through the official website until the end of May. The winners will also have the opportunity to showcase their research work and achievements on Nature’s website, providing them with a platform for greater visibility and recognition. Sony's chief technology officer, Hiroaki Kitano, reiterated the significance of diversity in expertise and experiences, expressing the company's enthusiasm for collaborating with Nature on this impactful initiative to celebrate and support women in technology.