Celebrating excellence: EAU26 Opening Ceremony and Annual Awards
The Opening Ceremony of the 41st Annual EAU Congress in London (GB) began on a charming note, with West End singers performing familiar melodies from Mary Poppins to set the atmosphere before the prestigious EAU Annual Award presentations commenced.
EAU Secretary General, Prof. Arnulf Stenzl (DE) took to the stage to welcome attendees to EAU26, before introducing two new honorary members to the EAU: Prof. Maurizio Brausi (IT) and Prof. Chris Chapple (GB). Both were recognised for their longstanding dedication and exceptional service to the field of urology.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the EAU Willy Gregoir Medal to Prof. Mark Emberton (GB) for his extraordinary contributions to the development of urology in Europe.
The EAU Frans Debruyne Lifetime Achievement Award was then presented to Prof. Jens Rassweiler (DE) to acknowledge his 40-plus-year career in urology, including leadership, and significant contributions to the activities and growth of the EAU.
The EAU Crystal Matula Award was presented to Dr. Laura Mertens (NL). This prestigious prize recognises her as a promising young academic urologist who has demonstrated exceptional potential and is poised to shape the future of the field.
“Success is best enjoyed when it’s shared” said Mr. Eoin Dinneen (GB) when he received the EAU Hans Marberger Award together with his colleague Dr. Ricardo Almeida-Magana (GB). Their outstanding paper, NeuroSAFE PROOF, was recognised for its scientific quality and clinical relevance.
The EAU Innovators in Urology Award was presented to molecular biologist Prof. Lars Dyrskjøt (DK). This award honoured his groundbreaking work on liquid biopsy, which has significantly influenced the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases, highlighting Prof. Dyrskjøt’s impact on advancing patient care.
Dr. José Maria Gil-Vernet Sedó (ES) was presented the EAU Ernest Desnos Prize for his contributions to the history of urology. This year he donated a large number of his grandfathers urological drawing collection to the EAU History Office, and he hopes these are useful for future generations.
The EAU Prostate Cancer Research Award was presented to Prof. Ros Eeles (GB), in recognition of the best published paper on clinical or experimental studies in prostate cancer, and the ceremony concluded with the EAU Patient Advocacy Medal of Excellence, presented to Mr. Robert Cornes (GB).
As the final notes of a Les Misérables medley filled the auditorium, the evening then transitioned into networking, giving congress delegates and faculty the chance to connect and celebrate the achievements of their fellow colleagues.