As a new section representing endourology as a whole, the EAU Endourology Section’s board decided to honour urologists for their work in the field (in various forms) as well as a prize for a non-urologist who greatly contributed to the development of endourology and technology.
Additionally, ICE25 is also the setting of the first “Best Endourologist” challenge, the winner of which was also announced at the Awards Session in Rome on 29 November 2025.
The 2025 Winners:
- Best Endourologist of 2025
Naeem Bhojani (Montreal, CA)
- Best Teacher Award
Prof. Andreas Skolarikos (Athens, GR)
- Best Researcher Award
Dr. Steffi Yuen (Hong Kong, HK)
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Prof. Palle Osther (Vejle, DK)
- Award for Significant Contribution to Endourology
Dr. Gregory Altshuler (Marlborough, USA) (see photos below)
The “Best Endourologist” prize was awarded to Dr. Bhojani based on his performance as a contestant of a series of challenges during ICE25. Five contestants were challenged to present on previously unknown topics after 90 minutes of preparation- without access to their files or the internet. Prof. Somani said it was a very tight race, the difference between first and second place being only 2%.
The Best Teacher Award is based on the evaluations that are available on a urologist’s educational performance as an instructor or mentor at ESU courses, EUREP, URObest and other educational programmes.
Prof. Tailly, in charge of education within the Endourology Section presented the award to Prof. Skolarikos. Prof. Skolarikos thanked his residents “because you ask the difficult questions and point out when our recommendations are no longer in line with the Guidelines. If I can help young urologists see clearer and operate better, then I’ve achieved everything I wanted in my life.”
The Best Researcher Award is determined by publications and their impact factor. Prof. Somani awarded Dr. Yuen, who thanked him personally for believing in her long before achieving the milestones in her career.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to a urologist who has devoted his or her career to endourology, and is widely respected and lauded for the import of his or her body of work. Prof. Traxer commended Prof. Osther for dedicating his life to publication and education in endourology. “Palle is the most friendly person you can meet. He’s an exceptional endourologist, and an exceptional singer too.”
Prof. Osther was clearly emotional as he reflected on his career and the relationships he built over the decades: “We love our field, our colleagues and what we can do for our patients. And I love you all.”
The Award for Significant Contributions to Endourology goes to a non-urologist, innovator or company that greatly impacted the field of endourology. Prof. Traxer welcomed Dr. Altshuler, CEO of IPG Photonics to the stage. His pioneering work in lasers in St. Petersburg in the 1980s and subsequent work in the USA led to his invention of the super pulse thulium laser for urology.
Dr. Altshuler gave a presentation on his career and the important breakthroughs that led to the finished product that helps urologists the world over. “I am proud to help the medical field. I know how hard surgeons work and I want to make your life easer!”
