Dr. John Flackett receives Honorary Doctor of Science Award

 

Award Announcement

On Thursday 10th July 2025, our Co-founder and Head, Dr John Flackett, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) by Southampton Solent University, recognising his outstanding contributions to Artificial Intelligence and commitment to education over three decades.

"I am delighted to be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from my alma mater. The timing is particularly apt because it’s exactly twenty years since I achieved my PhD and thirty years since I began working in AI. This year is also the 20th anniversary of Southampton Solent University achieving degree-awarding powers and I was one of 50 staff members who were involved in helping the university achieve this. I am proud to be recognised for my work in the field of AI and for my dedication to education."

A Career Dedicated to AI Excellence

This award highlights John's exceptional contributions to the field of Artificial Intelligence across education, research, industry, and community engagement. As the co-founder and Head of AiLab, John has delivered training and advisory activities on a global scale, helping organisations become AI-ready.

John's passion for AI began three decades ago and has remained unwavering throughout his career. He first discovered his passion for AI as an undergraduate and was the first person to be awarded 1st class honours on Southampton Solent University's BSc Computer Studies course in 1996. This was followed by a PgC Research in 1997 and achieving his PhD in Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing) in 2005.

Educational Leadership & Impact

John's commitment to education has remained central to his career. He spent a decade at Southampton Solent University teaching both undergraduate and master's students in artificial intelligence and software engineering, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of AI professionals. John co-founded AiLab in 2017, which has offices in the UK, Australia and New Zealand and provides AI education, research and advisory services across all industries and sectors. As an AI educator, John leads the development and delivery of AiLab workshops and supervises AI PhD students. John is dedicated to guiding individuals and organisations on their AI journey and his work at AiLab is pivotal in shaping the future of work and business through AI. His educational influence extends globally through various roles, such as previously being the AI Specialist in Residence for Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, where he established 'AiLab at AUT'.

Key Career Highlights

  • 30 years of leadership in Artificial Intelligence
  • First recipient of 1st class honours on Solent's BSc Computer Studies course, 1996
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Research (PgC Res), 1997
  • PhD in AI (Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing), 2005
  • Senior Lecturer teaching masters and undergraduate Artificial Intelligence and undergraduate Computer Studies and Software Engineering
  • Co-founder and Head of AiLab (Artificial Intelligence Laboratory)
  • AI Specialist in Residence and AI Ambassador for Auckland University of Technology
  • AI PhD Supervisor
  • AI educator to to industry and government
  • Internationally acclaimed speaker and trusted authority on AI
  • Respected AI advisor and consultant to government, academia and industry
  • Served on multiple boards and committees, including being a member of Australia's Federal Government AI Action Plan Committee
  • Sought-after media interviewee and contributor to publications
  • Accolades include multiple awards
  • Designed and developed commercial-grade software used in major corporations across the world
  • Co-founder of the largest community AI meetup in South Australia.

An Honour Reflecting Lifelong Dedication

John's reaction to receiving this honour reflects his humility and passion for his field. Despite his extensive achievements and international recognition, he remains deeply committed to making AI accessible and understandable to everyone. His work at AiLab is pivotal in to guiding organisations through their AI journey and helping shaping the future of work and business through AI. This honorary doctorate from Southampton Solent University serves as a testament to his lifelong contributions to artificial intelligence and his unwavering dedication to education and innovation.

At AiLab, we are incredibly proud of John's achievement. This recognition not only celebrates his past contributions but also inspires our continued mission to help organisations and individuals navigate the exciting world of artificial intelligence to become AI-ready!

Media Articles

View AiLab's Media Release, as well as the following media articles for further details on John's award: