#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Prize #Cynthia Dwork #Shizuo Akira

Announcing the 2026 Japan Prize Laureates

On January 21, 2026, the Japan Prize Foundation revealed the winners of the prestigious 2026 Japan Prize, a celebrated honor recognizing outstanding contributions in various scientific fields. This year, the award highlights exceptional achievements in Electronics, Information, and Communication, along with the Life Sciences.

Honorees

Prof. Cynthia Dwork

From the United States, Prof. Cynthia Dwork received the Japan Prize for her groundbreaking research in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication. Her work focuses on creating ethical frameworks for a digital society, including developments in differential privacy and fairness in data usage. Prof. Dwork's contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping modern approaches to privacy, strongly influencing how technology interacts with society.

Prof. Shizuo Akira

The Japan Prize in Life Sciences was awarded to Prof. Shizuo Akira, a renowned researcher from Japan. Prof. Akira has made significant strides in understanding the innate immune system, specifically regarding the nucleic acid sensing mechanisms. His research contributes to advancements in health and medicine, illuminating how our bodies respond to infections at a biological level.

Prof. Zhijian 'James' Chen

Sharing this honor in the field of Life Sciences is Professor Zhijian