Raf Van de Plas

Raf Van de Plas is a researcher at Delft University of Technology specializing in mass spectrometry imaging and data analysis. His work focuses on developing advanced techniques for molecular analysis of biological tissues, particularly in kidney research and lipidomics. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, he bridges engineering principles with biomedical applications.

His research interests include:

• Mass Spectrometry Imaging
• MALDI Imaging Techniques
• Lipid Analysis and Mapping
• Kidney Tissue Molecular Profiling
• Computational Data Analysis
• Biomolecular Imaging Algorithms

Dr. Van de Plas has published extensively in high-impact journals with multiple 2025 publications in Science Advances, Nature Communications, Kidney International, and Analytica Chimica Acta. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward developing innovative computational workflows for mass spectrometry data while applying these techniques to solve critical biomedical problems, particularly in kidney pathology and lipid metabolism.

His scientific contributions include:

• Development of advanced MALDI matrices for high spatial resolution imaging
• Creation of msiFlow automated analysis workflows
• Comprehensive lipid mapping of human kidney tissues
• Integration of mass spectrometry with immunofluorescence microscopy

Dr. Van de Plas actively supervises research work and collaborates internationally across biomedical and engineering disciplines, with significant contributions to both methodological development and clinical applications of imaging mass spectrometry.