ESGO Lifetime Achievement Award
for Outstanding Contribution to the Treatment of Women with Gynaecological Cancers
Award Recipient 2025: Prof. Denis Querleu
This year, Prof. Denis Querleu, France/Italy, will be presented with the ESGO Lifetime Achievement Award in tribute to his outstanding career dedicated to the improvement of health and well-being of women with gynaecological cancers, through a lifetime commitment to prevention, excellence in care, high quality research, education and leadership in the field of gynaecological oncology in Europe.
The award will be presented during the Opening and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 20.
The laudation speech will be given by Prof. Luis Chiva, Spain.
ESGO Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient 2025
Prof. Denis Querleu
Opening and Awards Ceremony
Thursday, February 20 at 18:10 in Session hall I (Auditorium)
"For over four decades, Prof. Denis Querleu has been a visionary in gynaecological oncology, redefining surgical techniques and advancing the field through education and research.
His work in laparoscopic surgery and radical hysterectomy has set new standards in patient care, influencing specialists across the world.
Above all, in his own words, 'his only talent is to love admiring people,' a reflection of his deep respect for colleagues, students, and patients alike.
His legacy as a mentor, innovator, and leader continues to shape the future of gynaecological cancer surgery and improve women's health globally."
Prof. Luis Chiva, Spain
Prof. Denis Querleu, France/Italy
About Prof. Querleu
Prof. Denis Querleu is an honorary professor of Oncology, registered as general surgeon in France. He has been full professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Lille, France, then in Oncology at the Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France.
He was appointed full professor and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McGill University from 2011 to 2013. He served as the Chairman of the Experimental Research Department at the Université de Lille, France, for eight years.
He has also served as President of the Société française de chirurgie pelvienne, of the Société française d’oncologie gynécologique, and of the ESGO.
A pioneer in advanced laparoscopic surgery for gynecological cancer, Prof. Querleu has lectured or done live surgery demonstrations in over 30 countries around the world. He has published over 400 papers and written or contributed to textbooks and chapters in books, served as an editorial board member or a reviewer of numerous medical journals, and organized meetings of international societies.
Awards Recepients 2019-2023
In 2019, the ESGO Council initiated the biennial Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding contribution in the treatment of women with gynaecological cancers.
The first Lifetime Achievement Award was assigned at the ESGO 2019 Congress in Athens to recognise a European specialist and international collaborator, who contributed significantly to the improvement of treatment and care of women with gynaecological cancers, through a lifetime commitment to clinical research and/or education.
Past Recipients:
- 2019 – Prof. Ignace Vergote and Prof. Ali Ayhan
- 2021 – Prof. Andreas du Bois
- 2023 – Prof. Nicoletta Colombo