Sony and researchers advocate for women in technology and AI

Sony Group Corporation and the journal Nature have established the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature. The program recognizes early- to mid-career female researchers whose technological advancements aim to create a positive impact on society and the environment. 2026 recipients include Dr. Xiwen Gong, recognized for interdisciplinary research in materials science, wearable electronics, and energy technologies.

In a separate address at the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) in Johannesburg, Dr. Wiebke Hutiri, a Senior Research Scientist at Sony AI, emphasized the necessity of placing women at the center of the artificial intelligence revolution. Hutiri argued that women must move beyond being mere beneficiaries of technology to becoming active leaders in shaping research questions, designing methodologies, and making critical decisions regarding research priorities and funding to ensure technological advances benefit all citizens.