The University of Notre Dame Australia has officially launched its new Centre for Technology and Human Futures (CTHF), an important initiative dedicated to exploring human centred approaches to AI, emerging technologies and the futures they create.
Launched in partnership with the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame (USA), the Centre will be led by Associate Professor Victoria Lorrimar as Director, supported by Professorial Research Fellow Professor Stephen Bullivant and Professor of Integral Human Development, Father Eamonn Conway.
The Centre will examine how AI and emerging technologies influence human identity, relationships and community life and will support ethical and responsible innovation so that technological development is oriented towards dignity, justice and the common good.
Associate Professor Lorrimar, whose academic expertise spans science and religion, genetics, psychology and theology, said it was a privilege to partner with the evening's guest lecturer, Professor Meghan Sullivan, Wilsey Family College Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame (USA).
"We're excited to collaborate with colleagues at Notre Dame (USA) on one of the most pressing questions of our time, how to think about AI technologies and their impact across all aspects of our shared lives," she said.
Professor Meghan Sullivan's keynote lecture, AI and the Good Life, examined how AI can support rather than diminish the conditions for human flourishing. Drawing on the DELTA Network: Faith-Based Ethical Formation for a World of Powerful AI, which is supported by a USD $50 million Lilly Endowment grant, she explored the moral, social and existential challenges posed by rapid technological change.
"With AI advancing so quickly, ethics cannot be an afterthought," Professor Sullivan said.
"DELTA asks us to measure technologies against what makes a life good — dignity, embodiment, love, transcendence and agency. When institutions work together around these values, AI can be directed to support human flourishing rather than erode it."
Professor Sullivan also encouraged faith communities to participate actively in shaping the direction of AI.
"It's essential that these communities are not left behind in the global conversation about where AI is heading," she said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell said the Centre demonstrates Notre Dame's commitment to leadership in values-driven, transformative research.
"Notre Dame will help shape an AI future where human dignity comes first," he said.
The launch of the Centre for Technology and Human Futures marks a defining moment in Notre Dame's commitment to transformative research. The University looks forward to the Centre's contribution to national and international discussions on the ethical development and use of emerging technologies.
Watch Professor Sullivan's keynote lecture AI and the Good Life here.
