UoGM IEEE Student Branch Chair Recognised With Prestigious IEEE President’s Gold Coin At November to Remember 2026

Oluchi Chibuzor

Artificial intelligence researcher and IEEE Student Branch Chair, Zainab Adeyemo, has received a special certificate of recognition and an IEEE President’s Gold Coin, following her involvement in organising the November to Remember Talk Series 2026 at the University of Greater Manchester.

The event, held on 2 November 2026 under the theme “Intelligent Futures: AI, Innovation and Human Flourishing,” brought together distinguished academics, technology professionals, researchers, students and international leaders to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence, innovation and emerging technologies in society.

The programme featured Mary Ellen Randall, 2026 President and CEO of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), whose participation was a major highlight of the gathering.

For Zainab, the occasion represented an important milestone in her academic and professional journey, recognising her commitment to leadership, volunteering, professional service and the advancement of technology-focused academic engagement.

The IEEE President’s Gold Coin, presented as a special gift by Randall, alongside the certificate of recognition, made the occasion particularly meaningful. The gesture represents a memorable acknowledgement of Zainab’s involvement in the IEEE community and her contribution to creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration.

From Event Organisation to International Academic Engagement

As IEEE Student Branch Chair, Zainab played an active role in coordinating and organising the November to Remember 2026 programme.

The initiative provided a platform for conversations around the relationship between artificial intelligence, innovation and human development. It also created opportunities for students and early-career researchers to engage with established academics, industry professionals and leaders within the international technology community.

The event featured contributions from distinguished speakers, including Professor Nagham Saeed, who explored sustainable and intelligent cities; Professor Christian Harrison, who shared perspectives on leadership, enterprise and human flourishing in the age of AI; Dr Njide Okonjo-Udochi, who discussed AI and global health equity; and Dr Greg Walker, who examined the role of universities in shaping intelligent futures through higher education.

The programme also provided opportunities for academic engagement through discussions, networking and student research poster presentations. Zainab’s involvement extended beyond the event itself, encompassing coordination with speakers, volunteers, university representatives and supporting partners to facilitate the delivery of the programme.

A Recognition of Leadership and Service

Receiving the certificate and IEEE President’s Gold Coin was one of the most memorable highlights of the November to Remember experience.The recognition carries personal significance for Zainab, reflecting the importance of professional service, collaboration and active participation in the global engineering and technology community.

She expressed her gratitude to Mary Ellen Randall for the thoughtful gift and recognition, as well as to everyone whose support contributed to the success of the event.

She also acknowledged the leadership and mentorship of Professor Celestine Iwendi, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Head of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh), University of Greater Manchester, whose commitment to research development, innovation and academic engagement continues to create opportunities for emerging researchers.The contribution of the University of Greater Manchester, CIoTh and the IEEE UK and Ireland Section was equally important in supporting the programme.

CIoTh: Supporting Research, Innovation and Emerging Talent

The event also reflected the wider research and innovation activities of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh) at the University of Greater Manchester. Under the leadership of Professor Celestine Iwendi, the Centre provides an environment for interdisciplinary research, professional development and collaboration in artificial intelligence, intelligent systems and emerging technologies.

Through academic engagement, research activities and international partnerships, CIoTh continues to support opportunities for postgraduate researchers and emerging technology professionals to develop their expertise and contribute to the wider research community.

For Zainab, her involvement in the Centre’s academic and professional activities complements her research journey in artificial intelligence. Having recently completed her Master of Research (MRes) in Artificial Intelligence with distinction, she is progressing to doctoral research in the field, with an interest in developing AI-driven solutions that address real-world challenges.

Beyond Recognition: Inspiring Future Technology Leaders

The success of November to Remember 2026 demonstrates the value of bringing together professional organisations, universities, researchers and industry stakeholders to encourage meaningful conversations about the future of technology.

For Zainab, the experience reinforced the importance of leadership through service, collaboration and the creation of opportunities for others.

She also expressed appreciation to the organising committee, volunteers, technical and media teams, sponsors, supporting partners and all participants whose contributions helped make the event successful.

The recognition from the IEEE President, alongside the opportunity to lead within the IEEE Student Branch, represents an encouraging milestone in her continued academic and professional development.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, education and society, initiatives such as November to Remember provide valuable opportunities to ensure that innovation remains connected to human needs and societal progress.

For Zainab Adeyemo, November 2026 will remain a particularly memorable chapter, one defined by leadership, academic engagement, international connections and a special recognition from the President of one of the world’s leading professional engineering organisations.