Anthal Smits

Anthal Smits is an Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the ImmunoRegeneration Group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). His work focuses on immunomodulation for in situ tissue regeneration, particularly in cardiovascular applications like heart valves and blood vessels. Smits holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (2004), an MSc in Biomedical Engineering (2008), and a PhD (2014) from TU/e, followed by postdoctoral research and industry experience.

His research bridges tissue engineering, mechanobiology, immunology, and materials science. Key interests include macrophage-biomaterial interactions, regenerative scaffolds, and standardization in biomaterial testing. Smits has received grants including the ERC Starting Grant (2021) and is involved in NWO initiatives like Flagship 2 (in situ tissue engineering) and DRIVE-RM.

Recent publications highlight advancements in bioresorbable materials, soft robotics for cardiac devices, and calcification mechanisms in engineered tissues. He is an editorial board member for Tissue Engineering and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, and actively contributes to professional societies like the Netherlands Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (NBTE).