Dr. Jan Sijbers is a distinguished scholar and leader in biomedical imaging at the forefront of medical image reconstruction and analysis. He currently serves as Full Professor of Physics at the University of Antwerp and heads the renowned imec-Vision Lab, a leading research center in advanced imaging technologies. After earning his PhD in Physics from the University of Antwerp with research on Signal and Noise Estimation from Magnetic Resonance Images, he progressed through the academic ranks from Assistant Professor to his current position as Full Professor since 2016. His leadership extends beyond academia as he co-founded two successful spin-off companies, IcoMetrix and Deltaray, which translate cutting-edge imaging research into clinical applications.
Professor Sijbers has made seminal contributions to the science of medical image reconstruction, processing, and analysis, with particular expertise in magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray computed tomography techniques. His research encompasses quantitative MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, diffusion kurtosis imaging, functional MRI, and advanced CT methodologies including tomosynthesis and discrete tomography. With a substantial research impact reflected in over 28,900 citations, his methodological innovations have advanced the precision and reliability of medical imaging diagnostics. His scholarly leadership is further evidenced by his role as Senior Area Editor of IEEE Transactions on Image Processing and Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Computational Imaging, where he shapes the direction of imaging science worldwide.
As principal investigator of major initiatives like the X-CELERATE project focused on dynamic X-ray imaging and smart materials, Professor Sijbers continues to push the boundaries of imaging technology through collaborative, multidisciplinary research. He actively mentors the next generation of imaging scientists through his teaching responsibilities in physics for biomedical research, general physics, and mathematical methods at the University of Antwerp. His research group brings together experts across disciplines including image processing, neuro-oriented MRI, and advanced microscopy to tackle complex challenges in medical and industrial imaging. Through his ongoing work on 4D CT methodologies, laboratory-based phase contrast imaging, and quality control systems, Professor Sijbers remains at the vanguard of imaging science with transformative potential for healthcare and industrial applications.
