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Dr Andrew Terhorst

Senior Computational Social Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/t/a/andrew-terhorst

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Contact details:

PRIVATE BAG 12
HOBART TAS 7001 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Andrew Terhorst is an interdisciplinary scientist and strategist with a notable career in marine geology, geospatial technologies, information and communication technology (ICT), and advanced analytics. He began as a marine geologist in offshore diamond exploration before founding a geospatial technology business serving sectors such as mineral exploration, natural resource management, nuclear energy, and urban planning.

Andrew Terhorst is an interdisciplinary scientist and strategist with a notable career in marine geology, geospatial technologies, information and communication technology (ICT), and advanced analytics. He began as a marine geologist in offshore diamond exploration before founding a geospatial technology business serving sectors such as mineral exploration, natural resource management, nuclear energy, and urban planning.

Andrew led the ICT4EO Research Group at South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where he contributed to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) initiative, before joining the CSIRO. He earned a PhD in Open Innovation from Swinburne University of Technology, using advanced social network analysis techniques to evaluate collaboration and knowledge sharing across organisations. This research has shaped his expertise in business model innovation.

Andrew has successfully applied his skills across various domains, notably building CSIRO’s sensor informatics capability in Hobart. He led the award-winning South Esk Hydrological Sensor Web project. He initiated the Sensor Cloud Platform, now commercialised as Senaps. In recent years, he has become a leader in artificial intelligence applications, developing generative AI tools for climate disclosure analysis and misinformation detection.

His work includes strategies for the circular economy, sustainability transitions, and organisational capability-building, leveraging advanced analytics to align research programs with national priorities. With a strong publication record and leadership roles in strategic initiatives, Andrew continues to foster innovation and organisational resilience in a rapidly changing environment.

Other Interests

Surfing
Photography
Sustainability
Travel

Professional Areas

Current Roles

  • Senior Computational Social Scientist
    Innovation studies

Academic Qualifications

  • 2022

    Doctor of Philosophy (Business Studies)
    Swinburne University of Technology

  • 2014

    Graduate Certificate in Commerce
    Swinburne University of Technology

  • 1987

    Master of Science (Marine Geology)
    University of Cape Town

  • 1983

    Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Geology)
    University of Cape Town

  • 1982

    Bachelor of Science (Geology)
    University of Cape Town

Professional Experiences

  • 2016-Present

    Senior Computational Social Scientist
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

  • 2007-2016

    Research Project Leader
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

  • 2004-2007

    Research Group Leader
    Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

  • 2002-2004

    Managing Consultant
    Andrew Terhorst Consulting

  • 1991-2002

    Director
    TerraMare Environmental Data Systems

  • 1987-1991

    Staff Geologist
    Anglo American

  • 1984-1987

    Project Leader
    Institute for Maritime Technology

Achievements and Awards

  • 2011-2013

    Top Graduate Prize - Graduate Certificate of Commerce
    Swinburne University of Technology

  • 2011

    Finalist - 2011 Australian Innovation Challenge (Environment Category)
    Shell/Australian Innovation Award

  • 2011

    Sustainability and Green IT Award
    Asia Pacific ICT Alliance

  • 2011

    Sustainability and Green IT
    National iAwards

  • 2008

    Health and Safety Achievement Medal
    CSIRO

  • 2008

    Strategic Leadership Programme
    Institute for Strategic Leadership

Other highlights

  • 2012-Present

    Admitted as Senior Member at the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers

  • 2007-2011

    Co-lead for GEO Task AR-09-02c - Sensor Web Enablement of In-Situ Sensors

  • 2007-2012

    Registered as Geographic Information Science Practitioner with South African Council for Technical and Land Surveyors

  • 2007-2009

    Registered as Geographic Information Scientist with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

  • 1987-2009

    Registered as Geological Scientist with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

Community and Corporate Citizenship

  • 2020-Present

    Deputy Chief Warden - Sandy Bay

  • 2019-Present

    Data61 Mentor

  • 2009-Present

    First Aider

  • 2010-2019

    Scientist in Schools Program

  • 2017-2020

    Chief Warden - Sandy Bay

  • 2012-Present

    Mental Health First Aider

  • 2012-Present

    Volunteer Firefighter

Related links

Publications

We have publications by Dr Andrew Terhorst