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Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIET FIEAust FRSA FRSS FRAS FRSAI has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (RSAI) — one of the world’s oldest learned societies dedicated to the preservation and study of Ireland’s rich archaeological, architectural, and cultural heritage.

Founded in 1849, the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland promotes the research and understanding of Irish history, art, and material culture. Fellowship is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated distinguished contributions to scholarship, heritage, and the advancement of interdisciplinary understanding of civilization and culture.

Professor Cheok’s election as a Fellow recognises his interdisciplinary achievements that connect technology, culture, and history — exploring how innovation and creativity shape human identity across time. His work in artificial intelligence, digital heritage, and emotional computing reflects a unique synthesis of scientific inquiry and cultural appreciation, bridging the ancient and the modern.

“It is a great honour to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland,” said Professor Cheok. “Ireland’s deep heritage of scholarship and imagination continues to inspire the global pursuit of knowledge and creativity.”

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIET FIEAust FRSA FRSS FRAS FZSL has been elected as a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) — one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious scientific institutions, founded in 1826 under the Royal Charter of King George IV.

The Zoological Society of London is internationally renowned for its leadership in animal science, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity research, and operates the world-famous London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. Fellowship is extended only to those who have demonstrated distinguished achievement and commitment to the advancement of zoological and environmental knowledge.

Professor Cheok’s election as a Fellow recognises his interdisciplinary contributions at the intersection of technology, biology, and human–animal communication — particularly his pioneering research into artificial intelligence, sensory computing, and digital interfaces that bridge human and animal perception. His work explores new ways of connecting technology with nature, aligning with ZSL’s vision of a sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.

“To be elected a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London is an extraordinary honour,” said Professor Cheok. “ZSL embodies centuries of scientific curiosity and conservation leadership. I am deeply inspired to contribute to its mission of protecting the natural world through innovation and research.”

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIET FIEAust FRSA FRSS FRAS FIES has been elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) — one of the nation’s oldest and most respected professional engineering bodies, representing excellence in science, innovation, and applied engineering.

The Institution of Engineers in Scotland, founded in 1857, has a proud heritage of advancing engineering knowledge, promoting public benefit through technological progress, and supporting the professional development of engineers throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

Fellowship in the Institution is reserved for engineers who have demonstrated sustained leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. Professor Cheok’s election to this distinguished body recognises his pioneering international research in artificial intelligence, robotics, mixed reality, and human–machine communication, as well as his dedication to cross-cultural engineering education and collaboration.

“To be recognised as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland is both an honour and a homecoming,” said Professor Cheok. “Scotland’s engineering tradition — of creativity, precision, and imagination — has always inspired my work. I am proud to join an institution that upholds that legacy.”

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIET FIEAust FRSA FRSS FRAS, from Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, has been honoured with the Best Researcher Award at the 3rd Edition of the Global Particle Physics Excellence Awards (September 19, 2024).

Organised by PhysicistParticle.com and Scifax Group, this award recognises “honourable achievement in innovative research and outstanding contributions to global scientific advancement.”

Professor Cheok’s pioneering research integrates quantum theory, artificial intelligence, and human–machine interaction, bridging the gap between particle physics, information science, and emotional computing. His interdisciplinary work continues to redefine how physical systems, computation, and human perception converge in the new frontier of intelligent technologies.

The Global Particle Physics Excellence Awards celebrate researchers who push the boundaries of fundamental and applied science. Professor Cheok’s recognition underscores his lifelong dedication to exploring the intersections of quantum information, reality engineering, and the physics of consciousness — areas that reflect his visionary approach to 21st-century scientific innovation.

“It is a tremendous honour to receive this international recognition,” said Professor Cheok. “This award represents not only my personal research journey but also the collective effort of brilliant collaborators and students around the world striving to merge physics and human experience.”

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIET FIEAust FRSA FRSS FRAS has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST), China.

This appointment reflects Professor Cheok’s international reputation for groundbreaking research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and mixed reality, and his ongoing dedication to advancing global collaboration in higher education and innovation.

At Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Professor Cheok will contribute to the university’s rapidly expanding research and teaching initiatives in intelligent systems, creative technologies, and interdisciplinary engineering education. His lectures and mentorship will bridge theoretical insights with real-world innovation — inspiring students to pursue excellence at the intersection of technology, creativity, and humanity.

“It is a great privilege to join the academic community of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology,” said Professor Cheok. “The university’s forward-thinking approach to engineering and digital technology aligns perfectly with my mission to nurture the next generation of innovators in Asia and beyond.”

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIEAust FIET FRSA FRSS FRAS has been appointed Honorary President of the Asian Institution for Intelligent Manufacturing (AIM), following his successful term as the organisation’s founding and first President.

After a formal review by AIM’s Supreme Management Committee, Professor Cheok was recognised for his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing systems across Asia and the world.

The Asian Institution for Intelligent Manufacturing (AIM) is a leading interdisciplinary platform that brings together engineers, scientists, and industrial innovators to drive progress in intelligent automation, digital production, and human–machine integration. Under Professor Cheok’s founding presidency, AIM advanced collaborative research initiatives across universities, government agencies, and industry partners, helping to establish a unified vision for the future of smart manufacturing in Asia.

“It is an immense honour to continue serving AIM as Honorary President,” said Professor Cheok. “The institution embodies the spirit of Asian innovation — uniting creativity, intelligence, and technology to build a better industrial future.”

This appointment, dated July 16, 2024, reflects Professor Cheok’s enduring leadership in shaping the technological and academic landscape of intelligent manufacturing across the Asia-Pacific region.

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIEAust FIET FRSA FRSS FRAS has been appointed Honorary President of the Asian Institution for Intelligent Manufacturing (AIM), following his successful term as the organisation’s founding and first President.

After a formal review by AIM’s Supreme Management Committee, Professor Cheok was recognised for his visionary leadership and pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing systems across Asia and the world.

The Asian Institution for Intelligent Manufacturing (AIM) is a leading interdisciplinary platform that brings together engineers, scientists, and industrial innovators to drive progress in intelligent automation, digital production, and human–machine integration. Under Professor Cheok’s founding presidency, AIM advanced collaborative research initiatives across universities, government agencies, and industry partners, helping to establish a unified vision for the future of smart manufacturing in Asia.

“It is an immense honour to continue serving AIM as Honorary President,” said Professor Cheok. “The institution embodies the spirit of Asian innovation — uniting creativity, intelligence, and technology to build a better industrial future.”

This appointment, dated July 16, 2024, reflects Professor Cheok’s enduring leadership in shaping the technological and academic landscape of intelligent manufacturing across the Asia-Pacific region.

Professor Adrian David Cheok AM FIET FIEAust FRSA has been appointed as a Distinguished Expert at the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Rail Autonomous Operation, part of Beijing Jiaotong University, China.

This prestigious appointment, dated January 7, 2025, recognises Professor Cheok’s exceptional contributions to artificial intelligence, robotics, mixed reality, and human–machine interaction, as well as his international influence in advancing interdisciplinary research and technological innovation.

The State Key Laboratory of Advanced Rail Autonomous Operation is a national centre of excellence in China, leading pioneering research in autonomous transportation, AI-driven control systems, and intelligent rail infrastructure. As Distinguished Expert, Professor Cheok will collaborate with leading Chinese researchers to develop transformative innovations that shape the future of autonomous rail systems and intelligent mobility.

“It is a great honour to be appointed as a Distinguished Expert with the State Key Laboratory,” said Professor Cheok. “Beijing Jiaotong University is at the forefront of global innovation in intelligent transport systems, and I am deeply inspired to contribute to its vision of a smarter, connected future.”

I’m delighted to share that I have been elected as a Member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society (USA) — the international honour society dedicated to scientific and engineering research.

Why this matters

Being elected to Sigma Xi is more than a title:

Membership is by invitation only and recognizes real achievement in research in pure or applied science. sigmaxi.org+2sigmaxi.org+2

It places you among a global network of scientists and engineers — across disciplines, nations, and generations. sigmaxi.org+1

The society has a long legacy of fostering excellence and collaboration (founded 1886 at Cornell University). Stanford University Sigma Xi Chapter+1

What this means for me:

It affirms the impact of my research work in AI, robotics, mixed reality and human–machine interaction and positions me among a distinguished community committed to advancing knowledge and innovation.

It opens further opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and influence, including participating in Sigma Xi programmes, grants and professional networks. sigmaxi.org+1

It enriches my role as an educator, mentor and innovator — feeding directly into my work at Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology and beyond.

A message to my community

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the colleagues, students, partners and mentors who have supported my journey. This achievement is not mine alone — it is shared across the many collaborations and curious minds I’ve worked with. I look forward to leveraging this membership to further the frontiers of research, to build bridges across disciplines, and especially to continue nurturing the next generation of engineers and scientists.