Written by James Coker | Reporter, European Medical Journal | @EMJJamesCoker
During 16th–20th March 2018, approximately 15,000 urologists are expected to arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark to attend the 33rd edition of the European Association of Urology (EAU) Annual Congress.1 The event will provide medical professionals with up-to-date information about the latest research and findings in the field in the form of lectures, poster sessions, high-definition video surgery sessions, as well as skill-training and practice-oriented courses. As always, the EMJ team will be on hand to witness everything that happens ahead of our review of the event in our eJournal EMJ Urology, to be published in May 2018.
History of the Congress
The first ever EAU Congress took place in Padua, Italy, back in 1974. The event was bi-annual until 1998, when the growth and popularity of the congress led to the decision to make it an annual affair. The last time Copenhagen hosted the congress was from 23rd–26th May 1984, where there were just 475 attendees, emphasising the development of the society and corresponding congress since then. A notable and lasting outcome of this particular event, the 6th in history, was that English was adopted as the sole language for future congresses.2
Last Time Out
EAU17 was held in London, UK last year from 24th–28th March, and proved to be an enthralling 5-days for the attendees. Among much new research presented, there were several eye-catching innovative methods for treating and diagnosing urological diseases. This included positive results of a trial testing the use of biosensor chips to overcome the issue of antibiotic resistance and a new magnetic resonance imaging technique for screening prostate cancer. You can read an in-depth review of this event in our latest EMJ Urology eJournal by clicking here.
Important Timings
The official opening ceremony will be taking place on Day 1 of the congress, from 18.00–19.30 in the Euro Auditorium. In what promises to be a highly entertaining spectacle, a number of awards will be handed to individuals in the field who have distinguished themselves. The exhibition area, where new products and technologies will be displayed by technical equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and scientific publishers, is open on Saturday 17th March and Sunday 18th March between the times of 09.30 and 18.15, and on Monday 19th March between 09.30 and 15.30.
Abstract Topics
As usual, the abstracts submitted this year encompass a huge number of important topics in the field. These include: urological cancers, such as prostate cancer, urothelial tumours, and penile cancer; stones; sexual dysfunction and andrology; functional lower urinary tract symptoms; and kidney transplantation. Undoubtedly, this event represents plenty of fresh research for urologists from all specialities!
Social Media
The EAU facebook page will be providing regular updates and news throughout the congress. The page can be found at: www.facebook.com/eaupage
Likewise, the official EAU twitter account (@uroweb) will be keeping followers constantly abreast of what’s going on. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #EAU18 when tweeting your thoughts!
The EMJ team will be active on our social media throughout the event too; we will be regularly tweeting our thoughts on our twitter accounts @EMJUrology and @EMJReviews, so give us a follow to join the conversation live from EAU18!
History of the City
The beautiful city of Copenhagen is steeped in history. The first settlers in the area were believed to have arrived over 1,000 years ago,3 and Copenhagen was officially founded between 1160 and 1167,4 before being made the capital of Denmark in 1443. It is home to brilliant constructions and architecture, including castles, churches, and towers, many of which were built during the reign of King Christian IV between the years of 1588–1648. The city is the largest in the whole of Scandinavia and home to around 1.8 million people.
Places to Visit
While visiting this wonderful city, why not take the time to look around its many attractions! Here are just a few highlights from this cosmopolitan city:5
- Tivoli Gardens: These gardens are packed full of amusement rides, restaurants, and beautiful scenery. The gardens were founded all the way back in 1843.
- The Little Mermaid: Located at Langelinje Pier, this iconic statue is a must see for visitors new to Copenhagen.
- Christiania: This freetown is a unique neighbourhood, with an autonomous way of life distinct from the rest of the city and even Denmark itself, following its founding by hippies in 1971.
EAU18 promises to be a momentous event, guaranteed to enhance the research and practice of the urological community. A number of the EMJ team will be around, keeping abreast of everything that happens; please feel free to come and say hello if you see us.
References
- EAU. The Congress. Available at: http://eau18.uroweb.org/the-congress/. Last accessed: 1 March 2018.
- EAU. AN OVERVIEW OF EAU CONGRESS HISTORY. Available at: http://eaucongresshistory.org/. Last accessed: 1 March 2018.
- Visit Denmark. Copenhagen timeline. Available at: https://www.visitdenmark.co.uk/en-gb/copenhagen/culture/copenhagen-timeline. Last accessed: 1 March 2018.
- Copenhagen Portal.DK. Brief History about Copenhagen. Available at: http://www.copenhagenet.dk/cph-history.htm. Last accessed: 1 March 2018.
- VisitCopenhagen. Top 30 attractions. Available at: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/sightseeing/top-30-attractions. Last accessed: 1 March 2018.
