International award recognises researcher’s contribution to development of AI
An artificial intelligence expert at the University of Leicester is to receive an international award for his contribution to the field.
Professor Huiyu Zhou from the School of Computing and Mathematical Science will receive the Distinguished Artificial Intelligence Scholar Award for 2025 from the National Academy of Artificial Intelligence at their annual conference in Bangkok from 25-28 June 2025.
It recognises an individual collectively working in AI technology development for many years in the field, continuously contributing towards AI technology development and expanding the impacts of AI R&D in the community.
Professor Zhou heads the AI and Machine Learning Group and the Biomedical Image Processing Lab (BIPL) at the University of Leicester, as well as being Deputy Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Modelling (AIDAM). The Centre focuses on the development of new mathematical and computational frameworks and tools that help design the new generation of AI systems for applications ranging from health, security, social sciences and space.
He is strongly contributing to the formation of the National Academy of Artificial Intelligence (NAAI) and the organisation of its events. The NAAI is an institution dedicated to promoting the development of the field of artificial intelligence, strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation, and enhancing public understanding and cognition of artificial intelligence.
It brings together numerous scientists and engineers who have made outstanding achievements in the field of artificial intelligence, aiming to lead and promote innovation and application of artificial intelligence technology through various means such as research, education, policy recommendations, and public services. The members of NAAI include renowned scholars and experts in the field of international artificial intelligence, who have profound academic backgrounds and rich practical experience in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and intelligent systems. It currently has three Nobel Prize winning members, including outstanding artificial intelligence scholars from around the world.
Professor Huiyu Zhou, from the School of Computing and Mathematical Science, said: “It is my privilege to receive such great award from the well-recognised academy NAAI. It is in recognition of the achievement made by our University, School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and the research centre AIDAM. The award strongly motivates me and our team to continuously work on AI/ML (machine learning) to benefit our British people in various aspects.”
Professor Leena Sodha, Head of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate Professor Zhou’s remarkable achievement in receiving the Scholar Award, a testament to his longstanding dedication, pioneering research and impactful leadership in the field of AI. Here in the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, Professor Zhou inspires innovation, supports academic growth of early career researchers, and drives meaningful change across disciplines. His commitment to advancing AI for the benefit of society is truly commendable.”