Eindhoven University of Technology Appoints Jan van Hest as New Dean of Biomedical Engineering

Jan van Hest. Photo: Vincent van den Hoogen.

(IN BRIEF) Eindhoven University of Technology has appointed Professor Jan van Hest as Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, effective 1 May. A professor of Bio-organic Chemistry and current scientific director of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Van Hest brings extensive academic leadership experience and an internationally recognized research record, including receipt of the Spinoza Prize. The Executive Board highlighted his strong internal support and proven ability to lead complex scientific organizations. In his new role, Van Hest aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, support talent development, and enhance the department’s educational profile while overseeing a transition in leadership at ICMS.

(PRESS RELEASE) EINDHOVEN, 9-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Eindhoven University of Technology has appointed Professor Jan van Hest as the new Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The decision was confirmed by the university’s Executive Board, with Van Hest set to assume the role on 1 May. His appointment reflects a strong vote of confidence in leadership developed within TU/e’s own academic community.

Van Hest is currently the scientific director of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems and holds a professorship in Bio-organic Chemistry at TU/e. He earned his doctorate at Eindhoven University of Technology in 1996 under the supervision of Professor Bert Meijer. Following his PhD, he built an international academic and industrial career, including positions at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, DSM, and Radboud University Nijmegen, where he was appointed professor in 2000 at the age of 31.

After returning to TU/e in 2016, Van Hest took on the role of scientific director of ICMS in 2018, leading the institute through a period of strong growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. In 2020, his scientific achievements were recognized with the Spinoza Prize, the Netherlands’ highest distinction for scientific research.

Koen Janssen, President of the Executive Board, described the appointment as a proud moment for the university. He emphasized Van Hest’s exceptional scientific record, proven leadership abilities, and broad support within and beyond the Department of Biomedical Engineering. According to Janssen, these qualities make him well positioned to guide the department’s future development in close collaboration with the Department Board.

Van Hest expressed enthusiasm about his new role, highlighting the department’s strong culture of collaboration between students, researchers, and support staff. He outlined his ambition to further strengthen the department as a science-driven environment, expand cooperation with other TU/e departments, and create optimal conditions for talent development. Increasing student enrollment will also be a priority, with a focus on enhancing the appeal and quality of the biomedical engineering education program.

With this appointment, Van Hest will step down as scientific director of ICMS. The process of recruiting his successor is already underway. He succeeds Professor Maarten Merkx, who has served as Dean of Biomedical Engineering since 2019. Janssen expressed gratitude for Merkx’s leadership and significant contributions over the past six years, noting his lasting impact on the department.

Media Contact:

Ivo Jongsma
Spokesperson Board
+31 40 247 2110
i.l.a.jongsma@tue.nl

SOURCE: TU/e