Elke Smits has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in biotechnology and a PhD in Veterinary Sciences, achieving the highest distinction. Taking a break from their studies, Elke enrolled at Manchester Business School in 2005 to focus on Foresight and Road mapping Innovation Strategy. In 2010, she attended INSEAD for the European Health Leadership Programme. Elke’s educational journey concluded in 2012-2013 at the Antwerp Management School, where she focused on Lean Leadership. 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, she 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, she has 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.
