Short Intro
At the 2025 International Conference on Information Technology and Decision Making in Honolulu, Prof. John I. Iwendi has been honored with the Herbert Simon Award for his outstanding work in the field of IT decision making (ITDM). This prestigious accolade recognizes his innovative research, his leadership in shaping the next generation of IT professionals, and his lasting impact on businesses and academia worldwide.
Prof. Iwendi joins an elite group of scholars whose work mirrors the spirit of Herbert A. Simon—Nobel laureate, pioneering thinker, and founding father of decision sciences. Over the past two decades, Prof. Iwendi’s research has bridged theory and practice, helping organizations use data and smart algorithms to make better, faster choices. His award marks a milestone for African academia and shines a light on the growing global influence of researchers from emerging regions.
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The Herbert Simon Award: A Mark of Excellence
Named after Herbert A. Simon, who won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1978, the Herbert Simon Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the theory or practice of IT decision making. Each year, an international committee reviews decades of research, publications, case studies, and service to the ITDM community. Winners are celebrated for pioneering new models, guiding organizations through digital transformation, and mentoring future leaders. Past recipients include thought leaders from North America, Europe, and Asia. Prof. Iwendi is the first scholar based in Africa to receive this honor.
A Storied Career and a Global Reach
Born and educated in Nigeria, Prof. Iwendi earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Nottingham. He began his career as a lecturer at a local polytechnic, rapidly rising to senior academic positions in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Today, he serves as a Professor of Information Systems at Teesside University in the UK, where he leads the Data and Intelligent Systems Group. He has supervised over 30 doctoral students and published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals.
Bringing Data to Decisions
Prof. Iwendi’s work focuses on integrating machine learning and optimization techniques into real-world decision processes. He has led cutting-edge projects in supply chain management, healthcare resource planning, and financial risk assessment. One of his most notable achievements was developing an adaptive scheduling system that reduces hospital waiting times by up to 40 percent. His algorithms have also optimized inventory levels for multinational retailers, saving millions in operating costs while cutting waste.
Voices from the Conference
“Professor Iwendi exemplifies the blend of rigorous scholarship and practical impact we aim to honor with the Herbert Simon Award,” said Dr. Maria Gonzales, Chair of the Award Committee. “His innovative methods have reshaped how organizations approach complex decisions under uncertainty. Above all, he has opened doors for researchers from regions that are often under-represented in global discussions.”
Prof. Iwendi Accepts the Honor
“I am deeply humbled to receive an award bearing the name of Herbert Simon,” Prof. Iwendi said during his acceptance speech. “This recognition belongs to all the students, colleagues, and industry partners who have collaborated with me over the years. It also highlights the talent and potential that exist in African universities. I hope it will inspire young scholars everywhere to pursue bold ideas in decision research.”
Impact on Students and Institutions
Under Prof. Iwendi’s mentorship, graduates have gone on to influential roles in industry and academia. Many are now leading IT projects for global firms in London, Dubai, and Silicon Valley. At Teesside University, he spearheaded the launch of a new Master’s program in Intelligent Decision Systems, attracting students from over 20 countries. His outreach work includes free workshops in Nigerian secondary schools, where he introduces teens to coding, data analysis, and problem-solving strategies.
Elevating African Research on the World Stage
Prof. Iwendi’s award is a landmark moment for African scholarship in ITDM. It underscores the growing quality and relevance of research coming from the continent. Over the past decade, universities in Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya have ramped up their research output in data science and decision support. With recognition like the Herbert Simon Award, African scholars gain more visibility, opening doors to global partnerships and funding.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps in IT Decision Making
As digital disruption accelerates, Prof. Iwendi plans to tackle new challenges in automated decision systems and ethical AI. He is launching a multi-institutional research network to explore how AI can support sustainable development goals, especially in resource-constrained settings. His future projects aim to make decision tools more transparent, fair, and adaptable to changing social needs.
3 Key Takeaways
• Prof. John I. Iwendi of Teesside University is the first Africa-based scholar to win the Herbert Simon Award.
• His research blends machine learning and optimization to improve healthcare, supply chains, and financial services.
• The award highlights rising global influence of African ITDM research and paves the way for new collaborations.
3-Question FAQ
1. What is the Herbert Simon Award?
It is an annual honor for exceptional contributions to information technology and decision-making research, named after Nobel laureate Herbert A. Simon.
2. Who is Prof. John I. Iwendi?
A Nigerian-born Professor of Information Systems at Teesside University, he has published over 200 papers and led high-impact projects in healthcare and supply chains.
3. Why does this matter for Africa?
His win showcases African researchers on the world stage, encouraging more investment and partnerships in IT decision-making across the continent.
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