University of Bolton Promotes Dr. Celestine Iwendi to Full Professor of AI

Oluchi Chibuzor

The University of University of Bolton has confirmed the promotion of Dr. Celestine Iwendi to a full grade of a Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the United Kingdom Based tertiary institution.

Commenting on the promotion Prof. Iwendi said he was deeply honored to share the incredible milestone of his promotion to Professor at the University of Bolton, where he continues to lead as the Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh).

He noted that the achievement represents a significant chapter in his academic, professional journey, and is filled with immense gratitude for everyone who has been a part of this path.

According to him, “First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Professor George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, for his unwavering support, visionary leadership, and belief in my potential. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my contributions to the university, the CIoTh, and the broader academic community. His encouragement has consistently inspired me to aim higher and innovate further.

“As the head of CIoTh, I have had the privilege of spearheading research and innovation at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainability. Our work focuses on advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through interdisciplinary collaborations with global researchers, industry leaders, and government agencies. This platform has enabled me to contribute to impactful solutions addressing real-world challenges while mentoring future generations of scholars and innovators.

“This promotion is not just a personal milestone but also a reminder of the immense responsibility I have to the academic and professional community. It strengthens my resolve to continue driving excellence in research, mentoring students, and fostering global collaborations that push the boundaries of knowledge and technology.

“I am especially grateful for the support of my colleagues, students, and collaborators, who inspire me daily with their dedication, creativity, and passion for learning and discovery. Together, we have achieved remarkable progress in cutting-edge areas such as AI ethics, IoT applications, and data-driven sustainability.

“This new role represents not just a recognition of past accomplishments but also an opportunity to create greater impact in education, research, and innovation. I am excited to continue building a future where technology and human ingenuity come together to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Prof. Iwendi is a renowned scholar and technologist specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor networks, and cybersecurity.

He holds a PhD in Electronics Engineering and serves as the Head of the Centre for Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Bolton, United Kingdom.

With over 23 years of technical expertise, he has become a key figure in advancing AI and its applications in various fields, including medical technology, smart cities, and network security.

Key Highlights of Prof. Iwendi’s Career and professional Recognition includes: Senior Member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC).

Recently, he was listed among the top 2 percent of influential scientists globally, based on a study published by Stanford University and Elsevier and he is IEEE Brand Ambassador and ACM Distinguished Speaker.

Similarly, his research focus and global impact spans multiple disciplines, including AI, machine learning, IoT, and cybersecurity.

He has co-authored numerous highly cited research publications, with 60.7 percent of his work in the top 25 percent most cited globally and 47 percent having a significant global impact.His work contributes to 13 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prof. Dr. Iwendi academic prowess, academic and research leadership as the Head of the CIoTh at the University of Bolton, promotes interdisciplinary research collaboration across academia, industry, and government agencies. He is also actively involved in mentoring and supervising students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

He is a visiting professor at multiple universities and has delivered keynote speeches at international conferences on topics like AI and trade, supply chain optimization, and leveraging emerging technologies for societal benefit.

On International Collaboration, Prof. Iwendi is known for his work on fostering global research partnerships and has co-authored publications with researchers from across the globe, with 92.6% of his publications involving international collaboration.

Prof. Iwendi’s contributions to the fields of AI and IoT, along with his active role in mentoring and his academic leadership, have earned him a prominent position in the global research community.