Time setter story: Quirine Smit

Quirine works at TNO as a researcher in the field of Hybrid AI. 'There are two types of AI; data-driven and knowledge-driven AI. In my research, I work on combining these different types of AI methods for the best result. This depends on the research question. For example, in a medical context a doctor want to be in the loop for reliability. If it is mainly about speed or energy efficiency, other considerations are made.'

'Then I programme the system that meets the specific requirements. This can be a user-friendly chatbot that collects information, after which a knowledge-driven system processes this information and a data-driven system makes it readable for the user.'

AI = Mathematics + Linguistics

'I studied at University College in Utrecht, where you can combine different fields. My major was mathematics – a subject I always enjoyed – but at University College you also take humanities courses. I chose linguistics. To my surprise, I found this combination really enjoyable that I did a master's in computational linguistics.'

'Nowadays, it is possible to work everywhere in AI, but I specifically wanted to do it at TNO. It is part of TNO's mission to contribute to innovations that are good for society. I find it very important that I am not the only one in the workplace asking questions about bias or discrimination in AI. Here, my colleagues ask the same ethical questions; it is ingrained in the culture of my team.'

Greatest compliment

'In 2024, I published a paper on Hybrid AI and how different systems can be visually represented to compare them. When I discussed Hybrid AI with a university professor, he recommended I read a certain paper – without knowing that I had written it. That is the greatest compliment you can receive. It confirmed to me that my work has impact.'

'As part of my work at TNO, I will soon start a PhD. Some projects here are more applied, others are more related to research. For my PhD, I can choose the more research-oriented projects at TNO that align well with my topic.'

First job

'This is my first job after graduating. As a new colleague, you are well guided here. In my first week at TNO, I was assigned a mentor to whom I could turn with all my small questions. How does SAP work? How can I use my Flex budget? Every week there was a new abbreviation or question about a system. It was very nice to have that guidance. Now I am also a mentor for a new colleague.'

'When I started, I thought: we'll see how things go after two years. That is quite a long time for a starter! I soon realized that my job at TNO is actually many workplaces in one. I am involved in various projects, ranging from the labour market to the medical field. If I want to switch domains, I can. And now that I am starting a PhD, I see myself working here for many more years.'

Woman in AI

'When introducing myself during an internship, someone once asked, 'Are you going to work on the language algorithm? That is very difficult, isn't it?' 'I replied, ‘That's why I am studying this.’ Before I started working at TNO, I was sometimes the first and only woman in the technical team. But at TNO, I have never been the only woman in a meeting with four or more people. Friends from university who work at other companies are often the only woman, even in a group of 50. It is really special that that this is so different for me, although I do not know if it is like this everywhere at TNO.'

Rainbow community

'Besides my work, I am active in Rainbow@TNO. I find it important that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, can be themselves and feel welcome. At each of our events, I see new faces, which is really cool. The many communities at TNO and the celebration of Iftar and Pride show that TNO is aware of diversity. However, there is still work to be done. The benefits I experience from working in a diverse team are something I wish for everyone. It would be great if there is even more focus on this.'

Choices that make you happy

'My advice for students and young professionals? Keep doing things you enjoy and make choices that make you happy. Eventually, you will end up in a place that suits you. I once chose an Irish Sign Language course because it seemed fun, and it sparked my love for linguistics. I have even been able to apply it in other subjects and research. If you do something you really enjoy, it will eventually come together.'

'Diverse perspectives enrich our work and are necessary to come up with valuable solutions for the challenges of our time. My team is very diverse and open. However, I hear from others that this is not yet the case everywhere within TNO. It is important that inclusion and diversity are embraced at all levels of the organization. Every year on International Women's Day, we, together with Equals, put inspiring TNO women in the spotlight.'