Heather Horst

Heather Horst is a Professor at Western Sydney University, holding a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of London. Her research focuses on digital anthropology, mobile technologies, and global south studies, with a particular emphasis on how technology intersects with cultural practices, development, and everyday life. She leads major initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society, exploring the societal impacts of AI and automation. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with applied ethnographic methodologies, addressing topics like digital infrastructures, data ethics, and socio-technical systems in diverse global contexts.

Key projects include investigations into mobile phone use in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, 5G imaginaries in the Pacific Islands, and participatory research on financial literacy. Her recent work critiques the 'tropicalization' of global south concepts and advocates for decolonial data strategies. She has collaborated extensively across academia and industry, securing funding from bodies like the Australian Research Council. Her teaching and research mentorship foster interdisciplinary approaches to understanding technology's role in contemporary societies.

Horst's contributions span over 135 publications and three funded projects, with 1,578 citations to date. Her lab, Data Ethnographies Lab, innovates in participatory digital research methods. She is a vocal advocate for equitable digital futures, emphasizing marginalized communities' agency in shaping technological landscapes.