5th Soaring Female Researcher Award (Maria Skłodowska-Curie Award) Winners Announced

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) (Headquarters: 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture; President: Kazuhito Hashimoto) has decided on the winners of the 5th Soaring Female Researcher Award (Maria Skłodowska-Curie Award). The winners were announced at an award ceremony held on Thursday, June 4, at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Japan.

For this 5th edition, applications were accepted from October 1 to December 10, 2025. After screening by a selection committee of external experts, one Grand Prize winner and two Incentive Award winners were selected. Additionally, during the selection process, one Special Award was granted to an applicant whose work aligned with the award's purpose and merited recognition.

Sponsored by JEOL Ltd., the Grand Prize winner received 1 million yen, each Incentive Award winner received 500,000 yen, and the Special Award winner received 300,000 yen. The Grand Prize winner will also be offered an opportunity to visit research institutions in Poland, the birthplace of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Japan and the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Research Summaries of the Winners

Yuko Kuroki
Making better decisions even under uncertainty – Unraveling the mechanisms of learning through experience with mathematical formulas

We are surrounded by a lot of information, but the information needed for decision-making is not always sufficient from the start. My research focuses on learning methods that, even in uncertain situations with limited, variable, or error-prone information, can identify important relationships and mechanisms behind the data from limited observations, learning 'what to investigate next' to efficiently approach better decisions.

This falls under the field of 'statistical machine learning,' based on mathematics such as probability, statistics, and optimization. By developing algorithms that minimize computational waste, I aim to narrow down promising options from many choices and make stable judgments even in highly volatile situations. In the future, I hope to apply this to materials and life science research with limited experimental trials, mathematically indicating 'what and how much to try.'

Ami Kobayashi
What do small RNAs cause? – Elucidating tau protein aggregation and spread at the molecular level

Alzheimer's disease is a condition that becomes more common with age, affecting many elderly people in Japan. One cause of this disease is the abnormal accumulation and clumping of a substance called 'tau protein' in the brain.

My research has found that tiny fragments derived from a molecule called RNA within cells bind to tau protein, making it easier for these clumps to form. These clumps can also spread to other cells. Therefore, I developed a method to visually confirm the location of tau protein and RNA fragments within cells. Furthermore, I demonstrated that using molecules that weaken the function of RNA fragments can reduce tau protein clumps in nerve cells.

This research is expected to lead to future treatments for brain diseases such as dementia.

Sonomi Yamaguchi
What signals move cells? – Approaching the principles of life's decision-making at the molecular level

Very small molecules like RNA and nucleotides act as 'information signals' within cells, precisely controlling gene function and defense responses. I research the mechanisms by which these small molecules within cells assess the current cellular state and change their behavior accordingly.

During my doctoral studies, I focused on the important mechanism of 'RNA silencing,' which suppresses gene function. Through structural analysis, I elucidated how molecules distinguish minuscule shape differences to select the correct RNA. This achievement explained a long-standing black-box process at the molecular level. Subsequently, I discovered a new mechanism in bacteria that senses changes in the intracellular molecular balance upon viral infection and switches its defense response.

These studies demonstrate the principles by which life judges situations based on molecular information and acts appropriately, with expected applications in future medicine and biotechnology.

Mariko Morimoto
Freely controlling the 'on/off' switch of immunity – Next-generation medicine pioneered by chemistry

Our bodies have an 'immune' system that protects us from viruses and cancer. However, immunity that is too strong or too weak can cause disease. This research aims to use the power of chemistry to freely switch immune functions, creating a body that can better fight disease.

The first focus is on small molecules called 'glycans' on the cell surface, elucidating their role as immune switches. Unlike dietary sugars, these molecules densely cover the cell surface. I am developing methods to artificially create these molecules and new technologies to capture their changes during disease.

The second focus is on designing and developing special molecules that bind specifically to proteins that hinder immune cell function, completely breaking them down and eliminating them.

This research is expected to pave the way for new medical treatments that restore immunity to a 'healthy state' and combat diseases that have been difficult to treat.

About the Soaring Female Researcher Award (Maria Skłodowska-Curie Award)

JST promotes the active participation of female researchers to foster science, technology, and innovation. In fiscal year 2021, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Japan, JST established the 'Soaring Female Researcher Award (Maria Skłodowska-Curie Award)' to recognize young female researchers expected to be active internationally, contributing to the further promotion of Japanese female researchers. The award is named after Maria Skłodowska-Curie, a great female researcher from Poland who received the Nobel Prize after her achievements were recognized in her early 30s.

While female researchers in the late stages of doctoral programs or within a few years of obtaining their doctorate are expected to make significant strides as independent researchers, they also often face various life events. By honoring the achievements of the awardees and widely publicizing them, this award aims to encourage female researchers who strive to soar with passion and resilience.