Professor Ionica Smeets (Photo: Leiden University)
Science communication professor Ionica Smeets receives an honorary doctorate from the Open University. Smeets has helped make science available to more people and bridge the gap between experts and the general public. By awarding the honorary doctorate, the Open University wants to express its appreciation for this commitment.
In recent years, Smeets has managed to appeal to a wide audience with his books, lectures, columns, TV shows and research. “Making science available is fully in line with the basic values of an open university,” says Rector Magnificus Theo Basiens. “Conducting scientific research that affects society is very important. And good science communication ensures that society also knows what change or added value or information this research brings us.”
In addition to being a professor of science communication, Ionica Smeets is also the head of the department of science communication and society at Leiden University. In addition, he works together with Alex Verkade on behalf of the outgoing Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Robert Dijkgraaf, as the director of the new Center for Science and Society (NEWS), which should strengthen the possibilities and effectiveness of science communication.
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