We are pleased to announce that Barbara J. Sahakian—Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, Fellow of Clare Hall, and Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital—has been elected an Academician of the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness (WAAC), in recognition of her programmatic research and cross-disciplinary influence in cognitive enhancement and neuroethics, decision-making, and psychiatric disorders.
Professor Sahakian’s team pioneered randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of modafinil and related agents on executive function and attention in healthy individuals, laying the evidential foundation and neuroethical framework for research on “smart drugs.” In collaboration with colleagues, she co-developed and disseminated the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), advancing translation from basic science to clinical practice and public health (e.g., screening in primary care). Her work has long focused on early detection and intervention in depression, addiction, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease, producing sustained impact across the intersections of neuropsychology, neuroimaging, and psychopharmacology, while promoting responsible cognitive enhancement and brain health through neuroethics and public engagement.
- Global Collaboration and Academic Ecosystem
The Academicians of WAAC come from universities and research institutions such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Cambridge, the University of California, the French Academy of Sciences, the University of Padua, the University of Queensland, Columbia University, and the University of Exeter, among others. Honorary Academicians represent multiple countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Spain, and China. Additionally, leading scientists from renowned research institutions and technology companies—such as Google, the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and Zeekr—are also involved.
- About WAAC
The World Academy for Artificial Consciousness (https://www.waac.ac/) is a global academic institution established in Paris in 2025. Its mission is to advance frontier research and international collaboration in artificial consciousness through the integration of science, technology, and philosophy. The Academy publishes open research, policy recommendations, evaluation standards, and more. The current President is Academician Yucong Duan, and the Secretary-General is Dr. Yingbo Li. The Honorary Academician List: On May 3, 2025, WAAC released its first batch of Top 100 Honorary Academicians, recognizing scholars who have made foundational or leading contributions to the theory of artificial consciousness.