Head of transplantation unit at University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
Dr. Johan Maertens, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Hematology at University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium, and a leading expert in fungal and viral infections in immunocompromised patients. With over 550 publications and an h-index of 102, he has significantly advanced the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal diseases. He serves on numerous international advisory boards and is chair of the European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL). A recipient of the Ben de Pauw Award, Dr. Maertens is recognized among the top 0.1% of global experts on mycoses, contributing extensively to clinical guidelines and transplant-related research.
📖Professional Profile
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🎓Academic Background
Dr. Johan Maertens, MD, PhD, is a distinguished hematologist and Associate Professor at University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. He earned his medical degree and doctorate with specialization in hematology, focusing his career on infections in immunocompromised patients. His expertise lies in fungal and viral infections, stem cell transplantation, and hematologic malignancies. He has authored over 550 scientific publications and holds an impressive h-index of 102. Actively involved in international research groups and advisory boards, he currently chairs the European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL). His contributions have positioned him among the top global experts in medical mycology.
💼Professional Experience
Dr. Johan Maertens, MD, PhD, serves as Associate Professor of Hematology at University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium, and is affiliated with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation at KU Leuven. He has extensive experience in managing fungal and viral infections in hematology patients and has played a key role in developing non-invasive diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for invasive aspergillosis. Dr. Maertens is chair of the European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL) and has been a member of several global research networks and advisory boards. His prolific output includes over 550 publications in leading medical journals.
🏅Awards and Honors
Dr. Johan Maertens has received numerous accolades in recognition of his outstanding contributions to hematology and infectious disease research. He was honored with the prestigious Ben de Pauw Award for his pioneering work in the study of fungal infections in hematology patients. He is recognized as a “World Expert” in mycoses, ranked among the top 0.1% of scholars globally by Expertscape. His influential research has shaped clinical guidelines and improved patient outcomes across Europe and beyond. Dr. Maertens continues to serve as a respected leader in the field, contributing to advancements in antifungal therapy and stem cell transplantation.
🔬Research Focus
Dr. Johan Maertens’ research primarily centers on infectious complications in immunocompromised patients, especially those with hematologic malignancies. His work focuses on fungal and viral infections, with a strong emphasis on invasive aspergillosis, non-invasive diagnostic tools, and antifungal prophylaxis. He has contributed significantly to the understanding and management of opportunistic respiratory infections and the optimization of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, including non-myeloablative and haplo-identical approaches. As chair of the ECIL group, he leads the development of European guidelines for infection management in leukemia patients. His research continues to impact clinical practices and improve outcomes in hematology worldwide.
📚Publication Top Notes
Prognostic significance of cytogenetic risk score in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
📅 Year: 2025
Doubling of triazole resistance rates in invasive aspergillosis over a 10-year period, Belgium
📅 Year: 2025
Primary antifungal prophylaxis in hematological malignancies: ECIL clinical practice guidelines
📅 Year: 2025
Immune checkpoint inhibitors for solid tumors post allo-HSCT: EBMT retrospective study
📅 Year: 2025
Multicenter validation of galactomannan chemiluminescence assay in hematologic patients
📅 Year: 2025
Review of the novel antifungal drug olorofim (F901318)
📅 Year: 2024 | Cited by: 8+
Ceftazidime-related neurotoxicity in renal impairment: case report and review
📅 Year: 2024 | Cited by: 10+
Bayesian interim analysis: reanalysis of AML HOVON 132 clinical trial
📅 Year: 2024 | Cited by: 12+
How I manage acute respiratory failure in hematologic malignancies
📅 Year: 2024 | Cited by: 15+
Mucorales PCR as early marker for GI mucormycosis
📅 Year: 2023 | Cited by: 25+
🏆Conclusion
Dr. Johan Maertens, MD, PhD, is a globally recognized expert in hematology and infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients, with a distinguished career marked by over 550 scientific publications and an exceptional h-index of 102. As Associate Professor at University Hospitals Leuven and chair of the ECIL group, he has led groundbreaking research in antifungal prophylaxis, mycosis diagnostics, and stem cell transplantation. His 2025 publications reflect high-impact, clinically relevant, and collaborative research that advances patient care and medical guidelines. Recognized among the top 0.1% of scholars in mycoses and recipient of the Ben de Pauw Award, Dr. Maertens stands out as a leading candidate for the Best Research Article Award.