Global Science Honours: Japan Prize Names 2026 Laureates

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Japan Prize Foundation announced the winners of the 2026 Japan Prize, honouring three scientists for creative and dramatic achievements contributing to global peace and prosperity.

Prof Cynthia Dwork of the United States (US) has been awarded the prize in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication for her leading research in building an ethical digital society, which includes the development of differential privacy and fairness, according to a statement.

In the field of Life Sciences, the prize will be shared by Prof Shizuo Akira (Japan) and Prof Zhijian "James" Chen (US). They are being recognised for their joint discovery of the nucleic acid sensing mechanism employed by the innate immune system.

The Japan Prize, established in 1981, is one of the world's most prestigious international awards, recognising scientists and engineers whose work has significantly progressed their fields. Each year, two fields are selected for recognition.

The laureates will each receive a certificate, a medal, and a monetary prize. The presentation ceremony is traditionally attended by the reigning Emperor and Empress, along with heads of the three branches of government and other officials.

The 2026 winners were selected from a total of 292 nominees, following nominations from approximately 16,000 prominent scientists and engineers worldwide.

-- BERNAMA