The University of Bolton has announced the promotion of Dr. Celestine Iwendi to the full grade of Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional career.
In his comments following the promotion, Prof. Iwendi expressed his deep honor and gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the support he has received throughout his journey. As Head of the Centre for Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the university, Iwendi has played a pivotal role in advancing research at the intersection of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainability.
He thanked Professor George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, noting that it has been instrumental in shaping his career and contributions to both the university and the broader academic community.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Professor Holmes for his belief in my potential and his constant encouragement,” said Iwendi. “This promotion is not just a personal milestone, but also a reminder of the immense responsibility I have to the academic and professional community.”
Under his leadership, the CIoTh has spearheaded groundbreaking research aimed at addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaborating with global researchers, industry leaders, and government agencies. Iwendi emphasized that his work at the center has focused on finding solutions to real-world challenges, including those related to AI ethics, IoT applications, and data-driven sustainability.
Iwendi also expressed gratitude for the support of his colleagues, students, and collaborators, who he credited with inspiring his work. “Together, we have achieved remarkable progress in cutting-edge areas such as AI ethics, IoT applications, and data-driven sustainability,” he noted. “This new role represents an opportunity to continue making a greater impact on education, research, and innovation.”
Prof. Iwendi is a renowned scholar with over 23 years of expertise in AI, IoT, wireless sensor networks, and cybersecurity. He holds a PhD in Electronics Engineering and has become a leading figure in advancing AI applications across various fields, including medical technology, smart cities, and network security.
His numerous accolades include being a Senior Member of IEEE, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC). Recently, he was recognized among the top 2 percent of influential scientists globally, according to a study by Stanford University and Elsevier. He is also an IEEE Brand Ambassador and an ACM Distinguished Speaker.
Prof. Iwendi has co-authored several highly cited research publications and is noted for his global impact in areas such as AI, machine learning, IoT, and cybersecurity. His work supports 13 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, he is a key figure in promoting interdisciplinary research and fostering international collaborations, with 92.6% of his publications involving global research partnerships.
As a visiting professor at multiple universities and a regular keynote speaker at international conferences, Prof. Iwendi continues to inspire future generations of scholars and innovators while driving the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
