Thomas Mensink Research Scientist @ Google DeepMind Amsterdam Email: lastname - at- google.com

News

• [apr 2026] I ran the Rotterdam Marathon in just under three hours (2:59:45, bruto time, netto ~2:59:06), but more importantly what an amazing atmosphere, thanks all!
• [mar 2026] Two new papers with my GDM Amsterdam colleagues: Beyond Single Tokens [arXiv], and Unified Latents [arXiv].
• [mar 2026] New PB on half marathon. On March 15th, I ran the CPC half marathon in 1:19:24! I’m training for a 1h15 half marathon end of May. May the speed be with me :-)
• [mar 2026] New website. I moved away from Wordpress and went for a Jekyll website, based on the basically basic theme from Made Mistakes. The banner images are from Gemini, with the following prompts.
  • Gemini prompts for banner images and favicon

    Gemini prompts for the different header images and favicon. Note that the exact results depend on the full conversation. These prompts were used during a longer interaction with Gemini about styling this website and some tips and tricks for Jekyll and Basically Basic theme.
    • Prompt 1: Homepage header visuals

      Create an image: a wide abstract header image, measuring 1600x250 pixels. It features a subtle, seamless horizontal gradient background, smoothly transitioning from a cool deep slate teal-blue on the left to a muted sea-foam green on the right. A clean, minimalist network of fine, light-colored (ivory/pale teal) vector lines across the center depicts a complex but elegant geometric pattern of interconnected nodes. Suited for a deep learning, computer vision, machine learning researcher and a running enthusiast. The design is airy and professional, with a smooth, almost velvety finish and zero text. The fine lines appear to glow with a very low light.
    • Prompt 2: Publication header image

      Create an image: a wide, sophisticated abstract header image, 1600x250 pixels, for an academic research page. The background is a smooth horizontal gradient from cool deep slate teal-blue to muted sea-foam green. Across the canvas, there is an delicate, almost ghostly network of minimalist neural network nodes and flowing, algorithmic pathways, composed of fine, ivory-colored lines. Integrated subtly into the flow are abstract, highly stylized representations of chemical structures and binary code glyphs, used as texture rather than legible data. The entire composition has a cool, intellectual aura with a smooth texture and no text, emphasizing a refined, systematic approach to knowledge.
    • Prompt 3: Research header imagery

      Create an image: a wide, sophisticated abstract header image, 1600x250 pixels, for an academic research page. The background is a smooth horizontal gradient from cool deep slate teal-blue to muted sea-foam green. Across the canvas, there is an delicate, almost ghostly network of minimalist neural network nodes and flowing, algorithmic pathways, composed of fine, ivory-colored lines. Integrated subtly into the flow are abstract, highly stylized representations of matrices, formulas and binary code glyphs, used as texture rather than legible data. The entire composition has a cool, intellectual aura with a smooth texture and no text, emphasizing a refined, systematic approach to knowledge.
    • Prompt 4: Running header banner

      Create an image: a wide abstract horizontal header, 1600x250 pixels, capturing dynamic movement in a very clean, minimalist style. The background is a soft, deep slate teal-blue to muted sea-foam green gradient. Sweeping dynamically across the frame is a single, elegant motion path composed of multiple parallel, extremely thin, ivory and light teal vector speed lines. This trail traces an energetic, forward-moving arc. Interspersed at regular intervals along the path are abstract line-art icons of tiny stylized running shoes and subtle heartbeat monitor blips. The composition conveys speed and forward momentum while maintaining perfect simplicity and professionalism. No text is present.
    • Prompt 6: Favicon visuals

      A minimalist abstract favicon tile, 192x192 pixels. The background is a clean horizontal gradient, moving from cool deep slate teal-blue to muted sea-foam green. Spanning the entire width is a highly structured, refined abstract geometric pattern of interconnected professional icons. This design uses fine, ivory-colored vector lines to create a flow of connected symbols and write the initials: TM. The aesthetic is clean, precise, and sophisticated. The initials are large and not too many distracting items are included, emphasizing visual elegance and professionalism. [**Note** + some interaction with the final prompt: Perfect, but the initials should be visible in a very zoomed out version (32x32 pixels). So make those lines thicker.]