Ionica Smeets started the blog Wiskundemeisjes, or Math Girls, on 14 March 2006 alongside Jeanine Daems to share mathematical concepts. This digital project served as a foundation for a career that bridges the gap between academic research and public engagement within the Netherlands, spanning television presentation, university teaching, and journalism.
Academic Background
Born in Delft in 1979, Smeets initially focused on computer science at the Delft University of Technology. She later pivoted to applied mathematics. Her graduate studies took place at Leiden University, where she worked under the supervision of Robert Tijdeman and Cornelis Kraaikamp. She completed her doctorate in 2010 with a thesis titled On Continued Fraction Algorithms.
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The success of Wiskundemeisjes led to two Dutch Bloggies in 2007. By 2010, the duo began writing a column for De Volkskrant. Smeets eventually took on a weekly role writing the column Ionica zag een getal for the periodical Sir Edmund. Her work in science communication includes collaborating with Bas Haring on research regarding public engagement, which furthered her profile as a bridge between researchers and the general audience.
Television and Media Career
Smeets transitioned into television by appearing on programs such as De Wereld Draait Door. In 2012, she co-presented the KRO program De Rekenkamer, followed by the mathematics series Eureka in 2013 alongside Sofie van den Enk. Her media presence expanded through appearances on Zomergasten and the quiz show De Slimste Mens in 2014. Since December 2015, she has co-presented the VPRO program de Nationale Wetenschapsquiz with Pieter Hulst.
Professional Appointments
In July 2015, Smeets accepted an appointment as a professor in Science Communication at Leiden University. Her body of work includes several books, such as Het exacte verhaal, published in 2014, and Zoete kinderen eten geen suiker, released in 2016. She is also a member of NL_Wetenschap and continues her career in the Netherlands, focusing on the intersection of mathematics and communication.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Delft
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- PhD awarded: 2010, Leiden University
- Blog launched: 14 March 2006
- Appointed professor: July 2015
- Mensa Fonds Award: 2014
- Irispenning: 2023
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of her academic research?
Her doctorate research centered on continued fraction algorithms.
Where does she currently teach?
She is a professor in Science Communication at Leiden University.
Achievements
- Held posts at De Volkskrant and Leiden University
