AI Data Centres: Exploring the Buildings Behind the AI Boom

17 Sep 2026
05:30pm - 07:00pm
FREE
Venue: The Capitol, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne

Artificial intelligence is transforming society, powered by the data centres behind the AI boom. Join leading experts from industry, government and academia to explore how Australia can balance innovation, economic growth, energy demands, climate commitments and community expectations while shaping a responsible, sustainable digital future.

AI is here – the genie is out of the bottle. The question now is how we manage its impact and shape a digital future that benefits society.

Behind the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is a vast and complex infrastructure network. Data centres play a critical role in powering the technologies transforming how we live, work and connect, but also raise concerns for our communities and the environment.

As part of Social Sciences Week, this event brings together industry, government and academic perspectives to explore the opportunities and challenges of Australia’s digital transformation. Moderated by Margaret Paul from ABC News, the panel features Belinda Dennett, CEO of Data Centres Australia; Dr Sarah Mansfield MP, Australian Greens; Michael Helmer, Chief Risk Officer at NEXTDC; and RMIT University’s Distinguished Professor Lisa Given and Professor Priya Rajagopalan.

The event will be hosted by RMIT University’s Professor Gary Rosengarten. The panel will examine how we can support innovation and economic growth while balancing energy demands, climate commitments, community expectations and responsible development.

Presented by RMIT’s Enabling Impact Platforms and the Centre for Human-AI Information Environments, as part of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia’s Social Sciences Week.

Register here

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

AI Data Centres: Exploring the Buildings Behind the AI Boom