The Japan Prize Foundation has announced the laureates of the prestigious 2026 Japan Prize. The honorees encompass distinguished researchers from the fields of electronics, information, communication, and life sciences.
The award in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication has been granted to Prof. Cynthia Dwork from the United States. Prof. Dwork is acclaimed for her pioneering research which advances an ethical digital society, primarily through differential privacy and fairness. Her research is a testament to the significant implications of technology on society, particularly in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Prof. Shizuo Akira from Japan and Prof. Zhijian ‘James’ Chen from the United States have been awarded the Japan Prize in the field of Life Sciences. Their notable discovery unravels the mechanism by which the innate immune system senses nucleic acid.
This year, the foundation solicited nominations from approximately 16,000 prominent scientists and engineers globally, resulting in 107 nominations for Electronics, Information, and Communication and 185 nominations for Life Sciences. With a total of 292 nominees, the selection of this year’s laureates undoubtedly underlines their pivotal contributions to their respective fields.
Founded in 1981, the Japan Prize stands as a testament to the Japanese government’s ambition to internationalize a prize that propels scientific and technological progression. The award is bestowed upon researchers who have demonstrated remarkable achievments in science and technology and who have made significant contributions to achieving prosperity and peace for humanity. The winners are honored with a certificate, a medal, and a monetary reward, presented in a ceremony attended by the reigning Emperor and Empress, heads of the three branches of government, and representatives from various societal sectors.