The Diokno-Lapides Essay Contest, originally established in 1984 as the Jack Lapides Essay Contest on Urodynamic and Neurourology Research, was developed by Ananias Diokno to honor his mentor, Jack Lapides, at the University of Michigan. Funded by a grant from Marion Laboratories, the contest annually recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to neurourology since 1985. In 2014, it was renamed the Diokno-Lapides Essay Contest (DL Award), generating significant papers and discoveries in neurourology. Over the past 40 years, winners and participants have attested to the contest's influence on their careers, offering opportunities for networking and mentorship across the global urology community.

On the 40th anniversary of the DL Award in 2024, the history of this prestigious award in neurourology was published [1]. In this editorial, we contribute three additional points regarding the DL Award. First, we need to correct the name of a previous winner. 2016- Takahiro Shimizu, PhD of Kochi University and Medical School, Kochi, Japan. Second, we are proud to announce the winners of the 40th annual DL Award in 2024. The winners were recognized at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association in San Antonio in May 2024 (Fig. 1). Dr. Betsy Salazar from Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX was the grand prize winner. Third, we announce a change in the venue and format of the award. To better reflect its global reach, the award will move from Chancellor and Bartolone at the Department of Urology at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine to the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). This transition will leverage global expertise in both clinical and basic science within voiding dysfunction and neurourology, ensuring the award’s continued success. The 41st Annual Contest Winner will be awarded at the winter meeting of SUFU in February 2025.

Winners of the Diokno-Lapides Award

The Diokno-Lapides Essay Contest has played a vital role in advancing neurourology research and education. Through its origins, evolution, impact, recognition, and achievements, the contest has significantly contributed to the field and inspired generations of urologists. We look forward to attending the SUFU meeting in 2025, handing over the Diokno-Lapides Award, and witnessing its continued success and contributions to neurourology.