RESEARCH PROFILE

Frank Baaijens is a full Soft Tissue Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His expertise includes computational (bio)mechanics, rheology, and regenerative medicine. From April 2015- May 2023, Frank Baaijens served as Rector Magnificus at TU/e. He focused on strengthening the university’s education and research and working on finding solutions to societal challenges. He fostered cross-disciplinary research and continued innovating the educational methods of the university.  

It is incredibly rewarding to witness the personal and professional growth of young talent when they are engaged in academic education and research

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Frank Baaijens received his PhD from TU/e in 1987. In 1985 he joined Philips Research Laboratories in Eindhoven to work on Computational Mechanics. Since 1990, he has been a part-time professor of Computational Rheology at the Eindhoven University of Technology. In July 1995 he was appointed full professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In October 2002 he was appointed full professor in the Department of BioMedical Engineering (Soft Tissue Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering). From 2003 to 2007, he was Dean of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and from 2007 to 2014, he was Scientific Director of the national research program on BioMedical Materials (BMM). From 2015-2023 he served as Rector Magnificus of the Eindhoven University of Technology. 

The first half of his career was dedicated to computational rheology emphasizing on the analysis of viscoelastic flows of polymer solutions and melts. The switch to biomedical engineering changed his research focus to regenerative medicine and in particular, the engineering of living heart valves. Based on this research, several biomedical technology companies were founded, resulting in clinical applications.

 

 

Current Educational Activities

Ancillary Activities

  • Bezit aandelen, Xeltis AG
  • Lid Strategische Adviesraad, TNO
  • Voorzitter Kennisprogramma Effecten Mijnbouw, EZK
  • Visiting professor, University of Zurich
  • Member Scientific Advisory Board, LifeMatrix Technologies AG
  • Lid Raad van Toezicht, Wageningen University and Research