The Urologic Society for Transplantation and Renal Surgery (USTRS) will meet on Sunday, September 12 (1:00 pm–5:00 pm) in the Sands Expo/Venetian® Hotel Complex, Las Vegas, Nevada. Our meeting will include timely lectures from the experts, Novick Resident podium presentations, a moderated poster session/viewing with a reception and awards. Our new date and time this year will nicely follow the AUA Transplant and Vascular Surgery session.

As always, the planning committee has created an exceptional USTRS program for this year, with a new collaborative USTRS-American Society of Transplant Surgeons initiative highlighting Dr. Lloyd Ratner (U.S.) who will speak to developments in living donor surgery, commemorating the 25-year anniversary since the first laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. We are also extremely pleased to have Dr. John Barry (U.S.) speak on renal transplant essentials for urologists. Other featured talks include an update on the randomized trial evaluating the use of muscle-pump activators in influencing graft outcomes following kidney transplantation by Dr. Alp Sener (Canada), voucher program for future kidney transplantation by Dr. Jeffrey Veale (USTRS President-elect, U.S.) and an update on novel perioperative transplant immunosuppression by Dr. Anil Kapoor (Canada).

We are proud to publish all USTRS conference abstracts and proceedings in the Canadian Urological Association Journal.

The USTRS has a strong history of advancing the practice and science of transplantation internationally. Benefits to USTRS membership are numerous, but most importantly it enables us to build collaborative relationships with like-minded groups and individuals. I would like to encourage everyone to renew your USTRS membership for 2021, and welcome you to actively participate in USTRS committees and initiatives. In sharing our experiences, innovative science and educational content, we are given the tremendous opportunity to learn from each other across the globe and further advance organ transplantation. If you are interested in participating in USTRS committees or would like to join the USTRS, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

I am also extremely proud to announce that we have made considerable progress in building the fund for the newly established Dr. John Barry Fellowship Award! In the spirit of fostering the passion and excellence Dr. John Barry (Oregon, U.S.) perpetuates, the USTRS Board of Directors envisioned the creation of a traveling fellowship award to honor Dr. Barry and his contributions to urology and transplantation. The fellowship will enable the recipient to visit medical centers around the world, to study and gain experience in the application of new knowledge and techniques, or to further the pursuit of a project relevant to surgical practice or research in transplantation. We are excited to adjudicate the first round of applications for the award in 2022, so please reach out to us through the USTRS website if you are considering a donation, as our goal is to raise $50,000 to provide stable annual funding of this award for many years to come.

I look forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas–please visit our website (www.USTRS.org).