Professor Ionica Smeets is the Chair of the Science Communication and Society Department at Leiden University, where she also leads the master's specialisation in the same field. Her research focuses on bridging the communication gap between experts and the general public, exploring what goes wrong when these groups interact and exploring ways scientists can enhance their communication strategies. She is passionate about training the next generation of science communicators.

Beyond her academic role, Professor Smeets serves as the Chair of the Board of the National Expertise Centre for Science & Society, a leading organisation dedicated to improving the interaction between science and the public. She is a well-known public figure in the field, writing columns for the Volkskrant and collaborating with cartoonist Ype Driessen to create photo-comics for New Scientist and presents popular science programmes on television. Professor Smeets has also authored several books and is a sought-after public speaker, regularly giving lectures on science communication.  

A prominent figure in Dutch media, Professor is known for her ability to make science approachable and engaging by combining scientific rigour with real-life examples and humour. Her columns and media appearances often emphasise the relevance of mathematics and science to everyday life, helping to simplify complex topics. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to science communication, including the Dutch Bloggies, the Mr. K.J. Cath-prize, and the NFTVM Award. 

Born on 8 October 1979, Ionica Smeets holds a Master’s degree in Technical Mathematics from TU Delft, where she graduated cum laude in 2005, and she earned her PhD from Leiden University in 2010 with a dissertation on continued fraction algorithms. She has been recognised as an Alumnus of the Year at TU Delft and has built a thriving career as a freelance science journalist alongside her academic pursuits.

With her diverse and impactful career, Professor Ionica Smeets remains one of The Netherlands' most influential voices in science communication, inspiring both students and the general public with her unique blend of expertise, humour, and passion for making science more accessible.

Find out more about Professor Smeets: https://www.ionica.nl/