Time setter story: Selmar Smit about technical investigation and on AI

Hunted

Selmar Smit is now a well-known Dutchman thanks to his contribution as a 'hunter' in the TV programme Hunted. For eight years he has been the 'operational brain' of the investigation team at Hunted and popular with viewers (recently more than 1 million). And the latest techniques for technical detection come from TNO.

'Even in a theme park, I am approached. Most people want to say that they think it is such a nice programme and ask if I really do this work. Hunted once started as a testing ground for TNO in which we could test innovations without having to real police investigation. Real effort is of course subject to strict rules.

'Not only can I of course use my expertise in technical investigation, but it is a kind of hide and seek for adults. And I really want to win. I think it's crazy to try to get into the candidates' heads: what are they going to do, how do they think, what does that do to their behaviour, and how can I use that?'

Teams calls on set

In addition to being a celebrity, Selmar is Head of Science & Technology Autonomous Systems & Decision Support at TNO.

'I was lead scientist AI for the Police for many years, and that of course combined very well with Hunted. It mainly meant that I was completely inaccessible for five weeks a year when I was in the recordings, but luckily I had all very good colleagues around me who could take over everything I did during that period without any problems.'

'It is a bit more difficult to combine with new projects. During the last recording period, I regularly made Teams calls on set. Ultimately, no one is indispensable, and everything runs smoothly without me. On the other hand, I now have a lot broader picture of what we do at TNO, so it is much easier to make connections and see whether we can (and want to) test certain technology in a TV programme.'

AI

Selmar is also involved in the development of GPT-NL, a Dutch open language model. This model is essential for developing, strengthening, and securing digital sovereignty.

'I’m a gadget freak, so I love trying out new innovations. I even used GPT-2 back in the day—and look where we are now. AI is here to stay and sometimes makes life vastly simpler, but it isn't the main thing that matters. To me, it’s far more exciting when people come up with new ideas than when a system does. For instance, I wouldn't be particularly interested in watching a running race between robots or an exhibition of AI art.'

The very latest

'I joined TNO immediately after completing my PhD. I was looking for a place that was working with the absolute latest technology. And I stayed! I stayed because I found what I was looking for and because I attach great importance to contributing to our country's security, whether that involves the fight against crime or the defense of our nation and its partners.'

'The great thing about TNO is that everyone here is passionate about research and getting to the bottom of things. My colleagues are critical thinkers who aren't easily swayed.'

'Most of the research I’ve conducted is highly application-oriented, and I am convinced that I learn just as much sitting in the back of a SWAT team van, as if at a conference.'

Bringing out the best in myself

'You can make a difference for the Netherlands in almost any area at TNO, but what makes Defense and Security so special to me is that it is ultimately a domain where you use your knowledge to go up against an adversary. Someone trying to outsmart, outpace, or outmaneuver our police or law enforcement agencies, that dynamic gives me a huge amount of energy to bring out the very best in myself.'