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Common Awards (Theology, Ministry and Mission)
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Theological Educators' Conference 2026: AI and the Future of Theological Education

15th - 17th July 2026

Durham University

 

Conference theme and speakers

The theme of the conference is ‘AI and the Future of Theological Education’

This three-day two-night conference is FREE to all Common Awards staff. 

Speakers will include:

  • Buki Fatona and Mike Higton on AI and the nature of Christian education and knowledge;
  • Jennifer George on AI and disability; and
  • Maggi Savin-Baden, Simon Cross, Emily Kempson, and Justin Thacker on AI and the Future.

There will also be a session on Neurodiversity and Theological Education with Allison Fenton and Ed Olsworth-Peter.

Conference format

The conference will be held onsite only, and the sessions themselves will not be recorded.

This conference is for staff. Please see the Events for Students page for any events which are currently open to Common Awards Students.

Conference Timetable 2026

The full conference timetable will be emailed to TEIs for distribution amongst staff.

The conference will start with registration from 12 noon on the 15th, and end with lunch at 1pm on the 17th.

How to register

The booking form will be live shortly and is for everyone who wishes to attend in any capacity.

Before registering to attend the conference, please read our Privacy Notice (you will need to confirm that you have read this when completing the registration form).

Booking options

  • There are several package options available when booking for on-site attendance. We anticipate that the majority of delegates will choose the ‘2-night package’ for full conference attendance, which includes accommodation on the Wednesday and Thursday nights, plus all meals and conference sessions;
  • Other options available include a ‘day delegate package’ for those who are local and may wish to attend during the days only;
  • All of the rooms are single occupancy. If you require a double occupancy room for yourself and another conference guest, please contact us;
  • Adapted rooms for those with access requirements are available (you can specify your requirements on the booking form).

Conference cost

  • The conference is free for Common Awards staff (all core and associate staff who are or expect to be involved in teaching, assessing or administering Common Awards programmes in the designated Common Awards TEIs). Conference fees, room and board are covered; delegates are responsible for travel and any other expenses.

 

Conference FAQs

We have created some FAQs to hopefully answer some questions you may have about the conference and the venue. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us on common.awards@durham.ac.uk

Where is the conference located?

The conference will be held at Durham University. All conference sessions, meals and accommodation will be at Grey College.

 

 

How do I get there?

By Road

  • Grey College is located to the south of Durham city centre, off South Road. The college can be accessed via the A167 or the A177.
  • The postcode is DH1 3LG
  • Durham is 264 miles from London, 187 miles from Birmingham, 125 miles from Edinburgh and 67 miles from York.

By Rail

By Bus

  • There are several express coach services daily from most major cities. Durham is well served by both regional express services and the local bus network. From the city bus station - a short walk from the railway station - a bus service runs every 15 minutes past Collingwood College.
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
  • The nearest bus stop is South Road Colleges on South Road. This bus stop is served by buses 6 Sapphire and S1.

For more information on Go North East buses please click here (opens new tab).

By Air

Durham is 30 minutes' drive from Newcastle International Airport and about 40 minutes from Teesside International Airport. Both have regular domestic and international flights. Durham is linked to Newcastle Airport by rail and metro

 

Is there parking available?

Grey College has a small car park, but the University Events team have advised that spaces are available on a first come first served basis; no spaces can be reserved. We encourage you to travel by public transport if possible.

The college also has a few disabled parking bays at the front of the buildings for blue badge holders, but again these cannot be reserved.

 

What time is check-in and check-out?

Guests can check-in from 12pm on the day of arrival. Luggage storage will be available until then at Grey College, though this room will be unlocked and the College cannot be held responsible for any left items.

Bedrooms must be vacated by 10.00am on the day of departure. 

What facilities will be available at the conference venue?

  • En-suite single bedroom with a private shower, toilet and hand basin.
  • A bath towel and hand towel are provided for each guest in their bedroom.
  • Towels and a small toiletry pack will be provided in your bedroom/bathroom.
  • Tea/coffee making facilities in each bedroom
  • A limited number of hairdryers are available in reception upon request
  • Free wi-fi access to all guests via 'TheCloud@Durham'. We will provide instructions in your conference pack.

What support is available for those with disabilities?

There are a number of accessible bedrooms available on the ground floor; please let us know your requirements on the booking form. 

Please also let us know if you will require any disability support for the academic sessions.

Can I attend as a day guest? 

Yes, if you are local to the area you can attend as a day guest if you prefer. Please select this option on the booking form.

If I can't attend will the sessions be made available afterwards?

Sessions will not be recorded, but we plan to run a series of webinars over the following academic year covering similar material, and where possible with the same speakers. 

What happens if I am no longer able to attend the conference?

Please let us know by 12th June otherwise we may not be able to fill your place, which comes at a considerable cost to the University. We usually have a waiting list of delegates who would love to take your place, but need to provide them with enough notice.