UCL clinician scientist wins prestigious urology award

The EAU Crystal Matula Award is the prize given to the top young academic Urologist in Europe and signifies their position as a future leader in academic European Urology. It is widely considered to be one of the top global accolades for an academic Urologist and has only been awarded twice before to a representative from the UK, the last time being 12 years ago. This is the first time that the award has gone to an academic from UCL.

Announced at the EAU2022 congress held in July this year in Amsterdam, an EAU representative said of the award: “It was [Dr Kasivisvanathan’s] incredible contributions to urological research at such a young age that motivated the EAU Board to select him for the Crystal Matula Award for a promising young European urologist.

Improving prostate cancer diagnosis

Dr Kasivisvanathan specialises in urological oncology. Over the last decade he has carried out research focused on prostate cancer with UCL and UCLH collaborators, including Professors Mark Emberton and Caroline Moore, which has introduced prostate MRI to clinical practice and helped to change the way that men are diagnosed with prostate cancer across the world. Veeru has developed a particular expertise in clinical trials, collaborative research and developing novel methods of research. He is the founding director of the BURST Research collaborative which has inspired thousands of young academics leading to large impactful clinical studies. He is currently Chief Investigator of nine clinical trials and studies, and his work has been instrumental in changing clinical practice to improve patient care.

Commenting on the award, Veeru said: “I’m so honoured and privileged to receive the Crystal Matula Award. Thank you to my colleagues, mentors, patients and my family. Dream big, work hard, persevere and anything is possible.”

Mark Emberton, Professor of Interventional Oncology (UCL), Honorary Consultant Urologist (UCLH) and Dean of the UCL Faculty of Medical Sciences, congratulated Dr Kasivisvanathan on his achievement: "Veeru is the model clinician scientist of the future.  It is truly wonderful to see his extraordinary achievements recognised by, arguably, the most prestigious and important award in the whole of urology.  The future of UK academic urology is in safe hands.

The EAU Crystal Matula Award is sponsored by medical technology company, Laborie.

Further information 

• Mr Veeru Kasivisvanathan academic profile
• Prof Caroline Moore academic profile
• Prof Mark Emberton academic profile
• Career Insights: Urology | Dr Veeru Kasivisvanathan (YouTube).
• European Association of Urology (EAU)
• UCL News: Prostate cancer guidelines changed to reflect UCL trial findings