Myrthe supports the communication team on various tasks such as upkeep of the website, curating content about events and research projects and for the monthly newsletter and also social media. She hopes to learn more on how to bridge the gap between scientific research and society for a harmonious exchange between technology, the city and its residents.
Myrthe holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from TU Delft and currently pursues a master’s degree in Science Communication from TU Delft and Philosophy of Culture and Governance from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. During her bachelor's program, she experienced a lack in education on understanding the interaction between society with technology and wanted to act on it.
Extracurricular courses on topics like law, economics, philosophy, and responsible innovation deepened Myrthe’s understanding of today’s societal challenges that concern policy and technology.
For Myrthe, the city is a place where these challenges arise due to people living densely together. Such dense living raised her interest to focus on the metropolitan area while looking at urbanization and its challenges with a different perspective. By studying at different disciplines and working at AMS-Institute, Myrthe seeks better insight into metropolitan solutions to make a difference towards a healthy future of the city.
In this effort, communications is key, especially for connecting research to citizens. As an Amsterdammer since birth, Myrthe has always had an affinity for the city’s dynamics and its transformations.
“I hope that the city of Amsterdam will become an example of how research and technology can serve society in a responsible, harmonious way.”
Myrthe Smedes
Former at AMS Institute
