Winners

Meet Our Winners - Discover the exceptional innovators who are driving the future of technology.

Mid-Career Winners

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Dr. Kiana Aran

University of California San Diego, USA

Dr. Kiana Aran was selected for her achievements in the field of bioengineering. Aran is investigating the use of fingertip sensors for viral detection, exploring how artificial intelligence can work with advanced sensor technology to analyze multiple biomarkers and enable early detection of cancer and age-associated neurological diseases.

Aran, a professor of bioengineering and medicine at UC San Diego, is best known for pioneering work in the fusion of biology with electronics to enhance precision medicine. Among her achievements is the development of a CRISPR-powered electronic chip made from graphene, designed for the rapid detection of genetic diseases and respiratory infections such as COVID-19.

Beyond her research and entrepreneurial ventures, Aran is a vocal advocate for elevating the role of women in technology and leadership through her involvement with multiple organizations including New Voices for National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. She has also established a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring women engineers and actively promotes international scientific collaboration, to foster a more inclusive and innovative future in the high-tech sector.

The judging panel noted that Aran’s, “achievements and vision in the field of bioengineering are impressive with a clear pathway to significant real-world impact for patients.” Aran’s aspiration to be a role model in the semiconductors area, where the representation of women is notably low, was well received by the panel.

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Dr. Amanda Randles

Duke University, USA

Dr. Amanda Randles received the award for her innovative research in “digital twin” technology, which integrates wearable-informed computational models to provide personalized insights into cardiovascular hemodynamics and optimize treatment strategies.

Randles, a computational scientist and biomedical engineer, leads the Randles Lab at Duke University and is known for her contributions to high performance computing, machine learning, and the personalized modeling for disease diagnostics and treatment.

After successfully exploring the use of digital twin technology to guide interventions for heart patients, Randles and team aim to explore how this technique can be applied to early intervention for cancer. With this prize, the Randles Lab plans to explore innovative ways of modeling and identifying new therapeutic targets to advance cancer treatment.

Speaking on their decision, the judging panel highlighted that Randles has had a “significant impact opportunity in the fascinating space of digital twins,” and that, “her vision of a doctor reviewing digital twin organs to enable proactive intervention is inspiring.”

Early-Career Winner

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Dr. Yating Wan

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Yating Wan won this year’s early career prize for her work in Silicon Photonics. Her research focuses on integrating light sources onto silicon chips for more energy-efficient data communication and information processing.

Wan, an Assistant Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, is recognized for her novel integration of ‘quantum dot’ lasers — nanocrystals made from semi-conductor materials — with silicon photonics demonstrate important progress toward commercial use of photonic chips. With tech industry collaborators working on the same goals, her team is exploring how to deploy the chips in practical, real-world settings.

Commenting on their decision to award Wan the Early Career prize, the judging panel highlighted that as a rising star in her field, Wan is making “significant contributions to future of data communications and potential to revolutionize the future of silicon photonic sensors.”

Judges' Commendation Recipient

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Dr. Jiawen Li

University of Adelaide, Australia

After receiving high-caliber applications from researchers worldwide, the judges’ panel decided to extend a special Judges’ Commendation to Dr. Jiawen Li. Li’s work combines nanoscale 3D printing with optical fiber technology to create a hair-thin endoscope that cardiologists can use to investigate blood vessels to determine a patient’s risk for a heart attack. This invention can also be used for prevention and personalized treatments.

Li, a biomedical engineer and Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide, Australia, is actively working on commercializing this invention, an important step in bringing this life-saving device to clinical practice. Together with her collaborators, Li is also expanding the multimodal technology’s features to measure data like site-specific temperature and chemical changes, as well as exploring applications in neurology and IVF.

For more information about the 2025 Shortlist for the Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature

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