New at EAU25: Introducing the EAU Lab
The EAU is excited to announce a new forward-thinking addition to its scientific programme at EAU25 in Madrid next year: the EAU Lab. This innovative platform has been designed to showcase the latest advancements in basic and transitional research within urology, and foster stronger connections between clinical practices and research. Hosted by the EAU’s Urological Research and Uropathology Sections in collaboration with the EAU Scientific Congress Office, the EAU Lab with feature a structured series of presentations aimed at engaging researchers and clinicians alike.
In a recent interview, EAU Scientific Congress Office committee member Prof. Lars Dyrskjøt (DK) and EAU Section of Urological Research Chair Prof. Carmen Jeronimo (PT) shared insights about the EAU Lab’s objectives and programme structure.
A clear focus on research
“The objective of the EAU Lab is to have stronger and more focused attention on all the basic- and transitional science that is being carried out in the field of urology,” Prof. Dyrskjøt explained. “By grouping this into the EAU Lab days at EAU25, it will be easier for delegates to navigate the sessions.”
The EAU Lab is also designed to make the annual meeting more appealing to basic researchers, a critical audience for advancing urological science. Prof. Jeronimo elaborated on the collaborative aspect: “We believe that the involvement of the EAU Section of Urological Research, EAU Section of Uropathology, as well as other groups, will ensure a well-balanced track that appeals to this target group.”
Fostering dialogue between clinicians and researchers
A primary goal of the EAU Lab is to strengthen the already robust ties between clinical and laboratory work. Prof. Dyrskjøt: “Overall, it is important to emphasise that the “Lab” basically covers all experimental work performed in a laboratory setting, ranging for cell line modelling to biomarker testing in clinical trials. So, I think the link between clinical and laboratory work always has been strong, and it will be even stronger in the future. Therefore, it is important to feature this link between clinical- and laboratory work at the Annual EAU Congress. The sessions will include many clinicians and scientists discussing recent findings.”
What’s on the agenda?
Spread over two days during the congress, the EAU Lab scientific programme includes a Thematic Session, a joint session by the EAU Sections of Urological Research and Uropathology, 2 standard oral abstract sessions, Expert-Guided-Poster Tours (EGPT), and two extended abstract sessions including keynote speakers. Prof. Dyrskjøt: “These expanded sessions will offer the possibility to focus on selected areas of research, where we have time to hear longer presentations and discussions – and learn about the latest research in the various fields. Furthermore, the sessions will include expert discussions of the research areas to put the findings into context. We expect this format will add some extra depth and focus on areas that may require more time than the standard abstract format at the meeting.”
On Saturday 22 March, Dr. Laura Bukavina (US) and Prof. Dyrskjøt will co-chair the Thematic Session on ‘Cutting-edge advances in urology: Genomics, transcriptomics and microbiome analysis.’ Presentations will include genomics and clinical outcomes in prostate cancer; harnessing microbial metabolism: personalised medicine and drug metabolism through metabolic reconstruction; bench to bedside: the future of faecal microbiota transplantation in immune-oncology; and gut microbiome and metabolomics of antibody-drug conjugates: impact on efficacy and side effect profile.
On Sunday 23 March, there will be a joint session of the EAU Section of Uropathology and EAU Section of Urological Research ‘Uro-oncology: integrating biological insights with clinical care.’ This session ‘What liquid biopsies can provide to the clinics: Whole-genome analysis for tumour-informed detection of circulating DNA in urothelial carcinoma patients’ will be co-chaired by Prof. Jeronimo and Prof. Maurizio Colecchia (IT). Presentations include neuroendocrine differentiation: from biology understanding to clinical challenges; what spatial pathology can teach us on urological cancers progression; and what can liquid biopsies provide to the clinics?
Both Prof. Dyrskjøt and Prof. Jeronimo expressed enthusiasm about the EAU Lab’s potential impact, highlighting its ability to foster collaboration across disciplines. “As scientists working in close collaboration with urologists, oncologists, and other specialties, we find the Annual EAU Congress meeting now may be more attractive to attend for non-urologists as it offers a broader coverage of the interdisciplinarity that drives the field forward. We hope this ‘Lab’ focus will create additional synergy between urologists and scientists at the meeting.”
In addition to the robust scientific programme, the EAU Lab will also provide valuable networking opportunities. The sessions will be held in a dedicated space, ensuring participants can engage in discussions and form collaborations. This setup aligns with the EAU’s broader goal of fostering an interdisciplinary community.
The EAU Lab sessions are extended with a special network area in the exhibition where different companies will feature their innovative solutions for optimising urological research. To stimulate sharing experiences and building new relations a lunch will be served in this networking area on Sunday for those delegates joining the EAU Lab scientific sessions.
For more details on the EAU Lab sessions, you can view the EAU25 scientific programme.