American Metaverse Association

Dr. Fei-Fei Li has been awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the US Metaverse Association in recognition of her exceptional contributions to global artificial intelligence development, research transparency, and ethical technology governance in the era of immersive digital systems.

As Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), Dr. Li has spent over two decades at the forefront of AI research. In April 2025, her team released the annual Stanford AI Index Report, which revealed that the performance gap between leading AI models from China and the United States has narrowed to just 0.3 percent. This finding marks a significant milestone in the global evolution of AI, highlighting a new era of cross-national convergence in model performance and algorithmic leadership.

Dr. Li has been instrumental in shaping the scientific and ethical foundation of artificial intelligence systems applied in metaverse environments. Her early work in computer vision and cognitive science laid the groundwork for intelligent agents, immersive learning platforms, and perception-based virtual ecosystems. She has consistently advanced the concept of human-centered AI, calling for inclusive, fair, and accountable systems that enhance rather than replace human capabilities.

Beyond her academic impact, Dr. Li has served as an advisor to multiple global institutions and policymaking bodies, promoting collaborative approaches to AI safety, digital ethics, and international AI governance. Her leadership in the development and dissemination of the AI Index has helped the global community better understand AI’s trajectory and its societal implications, particularly as it becomes increasingly integrated into metaverse infrastructure.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor presented by the US Metaverse Association and is reserved for individuals whose lifetime of work has significantly influenced the technological, social, and institutional foundations of the digital future. Dr. Fei-Fei Li’s contributions have set enduring standards for excellence, responsibility, and global dialogue in the field of artificial intelligence and its applications within immersive environments.

She will be participating in the 2025 Global Metaverse Innovation Summit in Palo Alto, California later this year.