Ionica Smeets wins Iris Medal 2023
The winner of this year’s Iris Medal for Excellent Science Communication is Professor of Science Communication Ionica Smeets. ‘If there is anyone who has excelled in science communication over a longer period of time, who always uses humour and is always seeking cooperation, it is Ionica Smeets,’ the jury said.
Smeets has been awarded the Iris Medal for her long-standing excellence in science communication. She has been writing columns on maths and numbers for almost 15 years, has presented various programmes on maths and science and regularly joins talk shows to communicate about science. Moreover, as Professor of Science Communication and coordinator of the new National Centre for Science Communication, she is committed to creating more space and public recognition for science communication.
The Iris Medal for Excellent Science Communication was established in 2019 by the three science museums supported by the national government: NEMO Science Museum, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave and Teylers Museum. The Iris Medal is intended for institutions, projects or individuals in the Netherlands who, over an extended period of time (at least five years), have managed to reach and inform a wide audience about science and technology topics in an innovative and idiosyncratic way.
Announcement and presentation
Smeets’ win was announced on De Avondshow met Arjen Lubach on 3 October. The prize will be presented on the Evening of Science & Society on Monday 9 October in Pieterskerk in Leiden by outgoing Minister of Education, Culture and Science Robbert Dijkgraaf. The Iris Medal consists of a cash prize of 10,000 euros, made available by the Royal Holland Society of Sciences, and a medal crafted by Jennifer Hoes.
Photo: Ivar Pel