The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has proudly announced the recipients of the fourth Marie Sklodowska Curie Award, an esteemed honor bestowed upon promising young female researchers who demonstrate exceptional scientific innovation. Established in 2021 in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, this award pays homage to the trailblazing legacy of Dr. Marie Sklodowska Curie, a pioneering scientist known for groundbreaking work in radioactivity and the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two distinct sciences. JST’s sustained commitment to empowering women in science and technology is embodied in this annual accolade, which amplifies the visibility and impact of emerging female talent in Japan and beyond.
The 2024 application window, spanning from October through December, witnessed a competitive selection process wherein candidates underwent rigorous document screenings followed by detailed interviews conducted by eminent external experts. This meticulous scrutiny culminated in the identification of one Grand Prize winner and two distinguished recipients of the Inspiration Prize. The monetary endowments are significant: 1,000,000 yen for the Grand Prize and 500,000 yen for each Inspiration Prize winner, sponsored by JEOL Ltd. Beyond the cash rewards, the Grand Prize winner is afforded travel sponsorship for research visits to Poland, fostering international scientific collaboration and exchange.
The essence of the Marie Sklodowska Curie Award resides deeply in its mission to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young female researchers during a pivotal phase in their careers. This period typically corresponds to the latter stages of doctoral study and the initial years following the acquisition of doctoral degrees, which are considered the most fertile for setting independent research trajectories. However, it concurrently coincides with potential life events requiring flexibility, such as family responsibilities or societal expectations. By highlighting exemplary female scientists through this award, JST aspires to nurture an environment where passion, resilience, and scientific excellence can flourish harmoniously.
The Grand Prize of the 2024 award was conferred upon Dr. Yukako Fujishiro, Unit Leader at RIKEN’s Center for Emergent Matter Science and Pioneering Research Institute. Dr. Fujishiro’s research is centered on the forefront of condensed matter physics, specifically targeting phase transitions that alter topological order parameters—a conceptual framework vital for understanding exotic states of quantum materials. Her work involves synthesizing novel quantum materials in which topological properties can be manipulated, potentially revolutionizing the development of next-generation electronic devices and social infrastructure systems by enabling robust, energy-efficient computational architectures. Her leadership qualities extend beyond the laboratory, actively fostering young researchers’ development and enhancing the public’s grasp of complex scientific phenomena through effective communication.
Among the Inspiration Prize recipients, Dr. Reika Tei, currently a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University’s Department of Genetics, has garnered attention for her innovative molecular toolkits designed to probe and manipulate biomolecular dynamics within cells. Her research addresses a central challenge in cell biology: capturing the transient and often stochastic motions of intracellular molecules that underlie cellular function and disease states. By creating bespoke molecular probes, Dr. Tei’s work enables unprecedented real-time observation and control of biomolecular assemblies, pushing the boundaries of synthetic biology and molecular genetics. In addition to her scientific endeavors, Dr. Tei passionately advocates for diversity in the scientific workforce, leveraging her platform to inspire a new generation of international researchers.
The other Inspiration Prize winner, Dr. Airi Yoshimoto, a JSPS Overseas Postdoctoral Fellow affiliated with Stanford University’s Biology Department, has made significant strides in neurobiology even as a graduate student. Her research interrogates the intricate nervous system circuits that govern the autonomic control of heart rate, shedding light on how voluntary modulation of cardiac function is achieved through brain–heart interactions. This interdisciplinary effort bridges neuroscience, physiology, and systems biology, employing cutting-edge techniques such as optogenetics and advanced imaging to map neural pathways with unprecedented precision. Dr. Yoshimoto’s active engagement in international collaborations underscores her role as a global contributor to the field, with promising future prospects as both a researcher and educator.
The Marie Sklodowska Curie Award is more than just a recognition—it is a strategic intervention addressing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors in Japan. Gender disparities in research environments have long been documented, often linked to systemic barriers, implicit biases, and limited access to mentorship opportunities. Initiatives like this award aim to dismantle such barriers by spotlighting female researchers’ achievements and providing them with resources crucial for sustained scientific careers. The award also symbolizes Japan’s increasing commitment to integrating diverse perspectives in innovation, thereby promoting a more inclusive ecosystem that is crucial for addressing complex scientific and societal challenges.
Dr. Fujishiro’s pioneering work on quantum materials traverses an esoteric frontier characterized by phenomena such as topological insulators, quantum spin liquids, and exotic superconductors. These materials possess unusual electronic properties resilient to environmental perturbations, which could lead to breakthroughs in fault-tolerant quantum computing and ultra-low-power electronics. By mastering the control over topological phase transitions, Dr. Fujishiro aims to pave the way for devices that surpass conventional silicon-based technologies in performance and efficiency, potentially catalyzing advances in information technologies and sustainable infrastructure.
Dr. Tei’s molecular tools harness the principles of chemical biology to create probes that can illuminate and influence the intracellular milieu dynamically. These tools rely on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), photo-switchable molecules, and engineered protein interactions that allow researchers to visualize the life cycles of proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites in vivo. Understanding these dynamics is paramount for elucidating disease mechanisms, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic disorders, thereby opening avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Yoshimoto’s investigations contribute to the burgeoning field of neurocardiology, a subset of neuroscience focusing on the crosstalk between nervous and cardiovascular systems. Her research employs a multi-modal approach combining electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging, and computational modeling to decipher how intentional control over heart rate is encoded in the brain. These insights hold potential implications for biofeedback therapies, stress management, and treatment of autonomic dysfunction disorders, showcasing the translational value of her foundational research.
Moreover, the award’s international dimension, exemplified by the Polish research visit offered to Dr. Fujishiro, highlights the importance of cross-border scientific exchanges. Poland, sharing historical ties with Marie Curie, continues to be a vibrant hub for physics and chemistry research, making it an apt destination for fostering collaboration. Such opportunities enable awardees to broaden their scientific horizons, establish international networks, and participate in global knowledge dissemination.
The JSPS Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship held by Dr. Yoshimoto exemplifies Japan’s strategic investment in supporting its emerging researchers on the global stage. This program facilitates immersion in leading international laboratories, fostering skill development, and enhancing collaborative research endeavors. Recognition through the Marie Sklodowska Curie Award, combined with such fellowships, equips young female scientists with competitive advantages in pursuing academic leadership positions and shaping future scientific agendas.
JST’s initiative underscores a holistic approach, understanding that scientific success is intertwined with career sustainability and personal development. By honoring researchers at this critical career juncture, the Marie Sklodowska Curie Award sends a resounding message about the value of inclusivity, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. This award not only acknowledges past achievements but also invests in prospective contributions to science and society at large. The voices and visions of these accomplished women will inspire countless others to embark on and persist within scientific careers, fostering a ripple effect that enriches the global scientific landscape.
As these young researchers continue to break new ground in their respective fields—quantum physics, molecular genetics, and neurobiology—they embody the spirit of Marie Curie’s legacy: pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and illuminating the unknown with tenacity and brilliance. JST’s Marie Sklodowska Curie Award thus serves as a beacon, illuminating pathways for women in science to thrive and lead transformational innovation worldwide.
For further details and updates about the award and the profiles of the winners, interested readers are encouraged to follow announcements by the Japan Science and Technology Agency.
Subject of Research: Quantum materials physics; molecular tools for intracellular dynamics; neurocardiology and brain–heart interactions.
Article Title: Japan Science and Technology Agency Honors Young Female Researchers with the 2024 Marie Sklodowska Curie Award
News Publication Date: 2024
Image Credits: Japan Science and Technology Agency
Keywords: Marie Sklodowska Curie Award, female researchers, Japan Science and Technology Agency, quantum materials, intracellular molecular dynamics, neurocardiology, young scientists, gender equity in STEM, research fellowship, scientific leadership
