The European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) proudly announced that Prof. Manuela Veloso, Head of AI Research at J.P. Morgan and Herbert A. Simon University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, was honored with the 2025 EWORA Honorary Award. The award recognized her trailblazing contributions to artificial intelligence, her inspirational leadership in academia, and her enduring commitment to advancing gender equality in science and technology.
The prestigious Honorary Award, established by EWORA to recognize individuals, institutions, or governments who demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting inclusive governance and strengthening women’s representation at the highest levels of decision-making, was conferred during a special ceremony held at the closing dinner of the EWORA 2025 Conference in Lisbon on June 27, 2025.
The award ceremony was one of the highlights of the conference. It featured remarks by EWORA President Prof. Kerstin Tham, who emphasized Prof. Veloso’s pioneering role in advancing AI and her long-standing advocacy for women in science. A heartfelt tribute was also delivered by Prof. Isabel Gil, Rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, who underlined the significance of Prof. Veloso’s work in shaping both the scientific community and broader society.
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Veloso addressed the audience with reflections on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, the role of ethics in technological innovation, and the urgent need to cultivate diverse academic and research environments that empower women scientists and scholars. Her words served as both an inspiration and a call to action for the academic community to continue fostering equality and inclusiveness.
The 2025 award marked another milestone in EWORA’s tradition of honoring transformative figures who embody leadership, vision, and commitment to equality. Past recipients of the EWORA Honorary Award included the Government of Sweden (2018) and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain (2019), both recognized for their groundbreaking efforts to advance gender equality in governance and higher education.
By honoring Prof. Veloso, EWORA highlighted the importance of connecting cutting-edge scientific leadership with the values of inclusion, diversity, and ethical responsibility. The award celebrated not only her remarkable scientific achievements but also her enduring influence as a mentor, leader, and advocate for inclusive excellence in research and education worldwide.
Through this recognition, EWORA reaffirmed its mission to support women leaders in academia, advocate for gender-sensitive governance structures, and create a more inclusive academic landscape across Europe and beyond. The Honorary Award stands as a visible testament to EWORA’s values and its commitment to celebrating those who are shaping a more equitable future in higher education, science, and leadership.
