In April 2025, the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness (WAAC) was inaugurated in Paris, France. This international, interdisciplinary frontier scientific institution was jointly initiated by four organizations:
- The World Association for Artificial Consciousness (UK)
- The World Conference on Artificial Consciousness (US)
- The Active Medicine Committee of WAAC (China)
- The International DIKWP White-Box Evaluation Standardization Committee (Singapore, rotating chair)
WAAC aims to advance global theoretical innovation, technological development, and practical applications in artificial consciousness. It seeks to foster interdisciplinary research, explore the evolution of artificial intelligence toward self-awareness and subjective experience, and establish an open, rigorous international academic exchange platform.
Founding Leadership
The inaugural president is Prof. Duan Yucong, a renowned pioneer of artificial consciousness and the DIKWP theory, also serving as Chairman of the WAAC and President of the World Conference on Artificial Consciousness. Yingbo Li serves as General Secretary of WAAC and Vice Chairment of the World Conference on Artificial Consciousness.
“The establishment of the Academy marks a new era in global artificial consciousness research. Through international collaboration, we will systematically advance cutting-edge exploration in this field to achieve a harmonious interaction between technology and ethics.”
— Prof. Duan Yucong
&
General Secretary: Yingbo Li
Honorary Fellows
During the launch ceremony, the Academy announced its first cohort of 100 honorary fellows, including:
- Alan Turing
- John von Neumann
- Bernard Baars
- Giulio Tononi
…and other luminaries who have made exceptional contributions to artificial consciousness theory and technology.
Future Plans
WAAC will host regular international conferences, establish dedicated research funds, publish white papers, and develop global evaluation standards. These efforts aim to deepen the application of artificial consciousness technologies in:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Ethics
- Social governance
WAAC envisions a new era of synergistic evolution between humanity and artificial intelligence.
Ceremony Highlight
The founding ceremony was attended by representatives from academia, industry, governments, and international organizations worldwide — collectively witnessing this historic milestone in the development of artificial consciousness.