World Academy for Artificial Consciousness Presents Certificates to Nobel Laureate James J. Heckman and CAE Foreign Member Seeram Ramakrishna

At the 3rd World Conference on Artificial Consciousness, held in Shenzhen on March 21, 2026, the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness presented certificates to Professor James J. Heckman, recipient of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, and Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The conference was themed "Fundamental Theories and Practical Exploration of Artificial Consciousness, and Artificial Intelligence Empowering Proactive Health Medicine."

The certificates were presented by Professor Yucong Duan, Honorary Academician and President of the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness, in recognition of the two scholars' distinguished academic achievements and their contributions to interdisciplinary research and international scholarly exchange.

Professor Heckman is internationally recognized as a pioneering figure in microeconometrics whose work has had lasting influence across economics, public policy, education, and the social sciences. Professor Ramakrishna is widely known for his contributions to advanced materials, manufacturing engineering, sustainability, and engineering education. Their participation highlighted the growing international reach of the conference and the increasingly interdisciplinary character of artificial consciousness research.

As an international platform for dialogue on artificial consciousness, the conference brought together scholars and practitioners from multiple fields to discuss foundational theory, enabling technologies, ethical governance, and real-world applications. The event reflected a shared commitment to advancing artificial consciousness research in ways that are rigorous, responsible, and socially beneficial.

Through this presentation, the World Academy for Artificial Consciousness reaffirmed its commitment to global academic collaboration and to promoting progress in the theory, technology, governance, and application of artificial consciousness.