Els Smeyers 1968–2024

For years, Els Smeyers shaped how science was shared and celebrated at Hasselt University. An engineer by training, she had an intuitive gift for connection, bringing people, ideas, and disciplines together with ease. 

Els Smeyers began her career as science communicator at the Faculty of Sciences, but her reach quickly extended beyond. Long before it was her job title, she was building bridges between faculties, bringing researchers together, and organizing events that opened science to the public. In 2014, she joined Hasselt University’s central Communication and Marketing team, where her influence only deepened.

Her talent lay in making complex things feel simple and ambitious things feel possible. From rocket launches at the Cosmodrome, to debating from a boxing ring on campus, or organizing the first Science Slam in Hasselt, Els Smeyers turned bold ideas into reality. Her signature event was Dag van de Wetenschap, an annual highlight she poured her energy into with tireless dedication. The 2019 edition, organized in collaboration with artist Koen Vanmechelen and drawing nearly 4,000 visitors, captured the very heart of her approach: creative, cross-disciplinary, and full of wonder.

But more than her output, it was her presence that defined her. She was known and appreciated across the entire university and well beyond. She co-organized Science Pub events twice a year with PXL, building community around research and conversation. She was actively involved in science communication via the KVAB, engaged with the Universiteit van Vlaanderen, and connected to the BE SciComm network. She contributed to the organization of Let’s Talk Science, maintained longstanding contacts with Eos magazine, and contributed to a variety of scicomm initiatives through VLIR and VLORA.

Smeyers also played a central role in connecting Hasselt University with younger audiences. She coordinated participation in the STEM Olympiades, served as a contact point for schools, helped arrange visits from high-schoolers, and supported initiatives for highly gifted students. It was all part of her belief that science should be open to everyone.

In November 2024, Els was killed in a cycling accident caused by a driver under influence. It was a cruel and senseless end to a life that was defined by activity, purpose, and care for others. 

Els Smeyers is survived by her parents, husband, and children. She leaves behind a university forever shaped by her presence, and a science communication community that carries forward her energy.