Tokyo: The Japan Prize Foundation announced the winners of the 2026 Japan Prize on January 21, 2026. Prof. Cynthia Dwork from the USA has received the Japan Prize in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication. In the field of Life Sciences, the award has been granted to Prof. Shizuo Akira from Japan and Prof. Zhijian "James" Chen from the USA.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Japan Prize is awarded annually by the Japan Prize Foundation to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and technology. The foundation's selection process evaluates candidates based on the significance of their achievements and their impact on society.

Prof. Cynthia Dwork is recognized for her pioneering work in the field of Electronics, Information, and Communication. Her contributions have significantly influenced the development of privacy-preserving data analysis and secure computing, which are essential in the digital age.

In the Life Sciences category, Prof. Shizuo Akira and Prof. Zhijian "James" Chen have been honored for their groundbreaking research. Prof. Akira's work has been instrumental in understanding the innate immune system, while Prof. Chen's discoveries have advanced knowledge in cellular signaling and immune response mechanisms.

The Japan Prize Foundation aims to promote the progress of science and technology for the peace and prosperity of mankind. The awards ceremony will take place later in the year, celebrating the achievements of these distinguished laureates.