Optimistic or Overwhelmed?
Engaging Tech in an Age of Optimisation
You are warmly invited to the 2026 Venerable Mary Aikenhead Oration. This annual gathering provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Venerable Mary Aikenhead and engage with ideas that continue to shape compassionate leadership, justice, and service in our communities today.
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time:
5:00pm – Welcome Reception
6:00pm – 7:30pm – Oration and Q&A
Location: Sir Peter Cosgrove Centre, Australian Catholic University (Level 18, Tenison Woods House, MacKillop Campus, 8-20 Napier Street, North Sydney)
Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online) (Online livestream commences at 6:00pm)
Topic
We live in an era of accelerated technological change. Generative artificial intelligence is reshaping our personal and collective lives, while emerging technologies promise futures marked by virtual worlds, brain implants, and even extraterrestrial travel. At the same time, technologies increasingly collect personal data in pursuit of optimisation and performance.
Many find themselves oscillating between optimism and overwhelm, awe and anxiety. In the spirit of Mary Aikenhead, this oration will explore how we might engage with emerging technologies in service of our mission: the flourishing of every human person.
The 2026 Orator
Associate Professor Victoria Lorrimar
DPhil (Oxon), GradDipPsych, MDiv, BSc (Hons)
Director, Centre of Technology and Human Futures
University of Notre Dame Australia
Associate Professor Lorrimar is Director of the Centre for Technology and Human Futures within the Institute for Ethics and Society at the University of Notre Dame Australia and is based in Fremantle. Her research explores the social and ethical implications of AI and emerging technology for augmenting human biology and capacity.
Registration and RSVP
Registration is essential for both online and in-person attendance. We encourage you to secure your place early so we can gather a full audience in support of our 2026 Orator and share in an evening of inspiration, reflection, and connection.
RSVP Closing Date: 17 July 2026
Registration
Mary Aikenhead Ministries