Elke Smits

Elke Smits has extensive work experience in the field of biobanking and biomedical research. Elke is currently serving as the President of BBMRI.be since September 2021. Prior to this, they held the position of Chief Science and Innovation Officer at UZA since October 2020. Elke also served as the Manager Science and Innovation Policy at UZA from April 2008 to September 2020. Elke Smits has also held various roles at different organizations, including being a Board Member at the Belgian COVID 19 Data Portal National Coordination Team since August 2020, a Member of the Marble Arch Working Group for Biobanking for Biomedical Research, and an Ambassador for the EUROPEAN MIDDLE EASTERN & AFRICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOPRESERVATION & BIOBANKING ESBB since 2019. In addition, they have served as a Liaison Officer at the Clinical Research Center Antwerp and as a Member of the External Advisory Board for Biobanking at the Universität Zu Lübeck. Elke Smits has also contributed their expertise as an Expert at the Hoge Gezondheidsraad and as a Visiting Professor at the University of Antwerp. Elke has had significant involvement in the ESBB Biobanking Society, serving as the Past President, President, President-Elect, and Councilor.

Elke Smits has a diverse education history spanning various fields of study. In 1990, they began their educational journey at KU Leuven, where they pursued a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry until 1992. Subsequently, from 1992 to 1994, Elke attended Ghent University, obtaining a Master's degree in Biotechnology. Continuing their academic pursuits, they returned to Ghent University and completed their PhD in Veterinary Sciences from 1994 to 1998, achieving the highest distinction. Taking a break from their studies, Elke enrolled at Manchester Business School in 2005 to focus on Foresight and Roadmapping Innovation Strategy. In 2010, they attended INSEAD for the European Health Leadership Programme. Elke'seducational journey concluded in 2012-2013 at the Antwerp Management School, where they focused on Lean Leadership.