Professor Celestine Iwendi, Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Greater Manchester, has received international recognition for his contributions to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. The recognition comes in the form of his inclusion in the Scholarly Index Top1000 Scholar 2026 rankings. Iwendi's ranking highlights his growing international research footprint in Artificial Intelligence, digital health, intelligent systems, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
According to the ranking certificate, Iwendi was ranked 57th globally, second in Great Britain, and within the Top 0.69 per cent worldwide in the 2021–2025 impact window. His impact score for the period is 96.93, with a category D-index of 6, and an H-index of 36. In the Lifetime impact window, he was ranked 125th globally, sixth in Great Britain, and within the Top 0.83 per cent worldwide. His lifetime certificate recorded an impact score of 96.20, a category D-index of 7, and an H-index of 46.
Iwendi's work focuses on applying artificial intelligence to practical societal challenges, particularly in healthcare, intelligent systems, and secure digital technologies. His research aims to move beyond theory into real-world applications that improve decision-making, efficiency, accessibility, and human wellbeing. Iwendi's recognition reflects the expanding profile of research being developed through CIoTh and the wider University of Greater Manchester community.
Speaking on the recognition, Iwendi attributed his achievement to sustained collaboration in research. He expressed gratitude to his mentors, collaborators, colleagues, and students whose ideas, commitment, and support shape the work they do. Iwendi emphasised that his motivation remains centred on impact rather than ranking, stating that the most important question is whether the research is solving real problems.
Iwendi stressed the need for African countries, including Nigeria, to become more intentional about building capacity in artificial intelligence. He believes that Africa should not remain only a consumer of AI systems developed elsewhere but must invest in their own universities, young researchers, data infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems. According to Iwendi, Nigeria has the talent to become a major contributor to global AI research, but that potential must be matched with sustained investment.
Iwendi's call for investment in AI research and development in Africa is rooted in his conviction that the continent must be proactive in shaping its own technological future. He argued that innovation in AI should translate into better outcomes for patients, stronger health systems, improved diagnostics, safer technologies, and greater access to quality care. Iwendi's work and recognition serve as an inspiration to young researchers and academics in Africa.
The recognition of Iwendi's work in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare highlights the growing importance of research collaboration and investment in innovation ecosystems. As Africa continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, Iwendi's achievement serves as a testament to the potential for African researchers to make a meaningful impact on the global stage.
Key points
- Professor Celestine Iwendi has been recognised in the Scholarly Index Top1000 Scholar 2026 rankings for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.
- Iwendi is calling for Africa to invest in its own universities, young researchers, data infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems to become a major contributor to global AI research.
- Iwendi's recognition highlights his growing international research footprint in Artificial Intelligence, digital health, intelligent systems, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
