JAWS Prize
The JAWS Prize is awarded annually at the European Hernia Society Annual Conference. The Executive Editors independently assess the articles published in the journal in the previous year.
The winner of the JAWS prize is presented with a certificate at the EHS Conference and receives a complementary publication in the journal
2026 JAWS Prize – awarded to the best article published in 2025
Winner
Competency assessment in training in African countries
By Jacob A Akoh
The editors praise this interesting study, titled “Competency Assessment in Training in African Countries,” as a key contribution that analyzes the role of competency-based assessment in the training of surgeons in Africa.
About the author
Jacob Akoh is a Consultant General Surgeon with practice privileges at The Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital. He recently retired from his NHS job as Consultant General and Transplant Surgeon at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, United Kingdom. Jacob is Deputy Chairman and Board Member of Operation Hernia (UK charity) and he trains surgeons in several countries in Africa.
Shortlisted
By Elisa Mäkäräinen et al.
By Javed Latif et al.
By Aritz Equísoain-Azcona et al.
2025 JAWS Prize – awarded to the best article published in 2024
Winner
Incidence, Healthcare Resource Use and Costs Associated With Incisional Hernia Repair
By Laurie Smith et al.
The Executive Editors are pleased to award the 2025 JAWS Prize to Laurie Smith. The Editors praise this very interesting study of the economic impact and use of resources associated with a fundamental part of abdominal wall surgery such as incisional hernia surgery.
About the author
Laurie Smith is an ST5 general surgical registrar in South Wales. He has recently completed his M.D in incisional hernia prevention and abdominal wall closure and is passionate about education and training in this area, alongside implementation of research into clinical practice.
Shortlisted
By Robert Vogel et al.
By Mario Giuffrida et al.
ENGINE—An EHS Project for Future Guidelines
By Cesare Stabilini et al.
2024 JAWS Prize – awarded to the best article published in 2023
Winner
By Juha M. Hiekkaranta et al.
Shortlisted
Laparoscopic vs. Open Approach in Emergent Inguinal Hernia: Our Experience and Review of Literature
By Luis Tallon-Aguilar et al.
By Allard S. Timmer et al.
Female Groin Hernia Repairs in the Swedish Hernia Register 1992–2022: A Review With Updates
By Hanna de la Croix et al.
2023 JAWS Prize – awarded to the best article published in 2022
Winner
By Alejandro Bravo-Salva et al.
Shortlisted
By Stavros Antoniou et al.
By Maaike Vierstraete et al.
Open Emergent Groin Hernia Repair: Anterior or Posterior Approach?
By Victor Rodrigues et al.