Daniel T. Lackland, Dr.P.H., FAHA, professor of epidemiology and neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina, will receive the 2025 Population Research Prize at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025, scheduled for Nov. 7-10 in New Orleans. The award recognizes his global leadership in hypertension research, stroke prevention and efforts to address gaps in cardiovascular disease outcomes. The presentation will occur during the Presidential Session on Nov. 9.
Lackland directs the Division of Translational Neuroscience and Population Studies and the Master of Science in Clinical Research Program at the Medical University of South Carolina. A fellow of the American Heart Association and the American College of Epidemiology, he is internationally recognized for population-level research on hypertension and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on differences among communities. He played a pivotal role as chair of a 2013 American Heart Association scientific statement that traced the dramatic decline in U.S. stroke mortality from 88 to 23 per 100,000 between 1950 and 2010, attributing the decline to aggressive hypertension treatment strategies.
“Dr. Daniel Lackland’s research continues to shape our understanding of hypertension and stroke, especially in underserved communities,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s 2025-2026 volunteer president. “His vital research has contributed to significant improvements in blood pressure care, an integral component of cardiovascular care, over the last two decades.”
Lackland has authored more than 350 peer-reviewed publications and serves as principal investigator for the Black Pooling Project, a national multi-cohort observational study combining data from nine large epidemiologic studies to understand racial disparities in cardiovascular disease and hypertension among Black Americans. He also chairs the Executive and Steering Committees of the long-running CARDIA study and serves as chair of the Observational Study Monitoring Board for the RURAL Study. He has been an active contributor to the Heart Association’s clinical guidelines, including the 2013 and 2017 hypertension guidelines, and is editor-in-chief of the World Hypertension League Newsletter. As past president of the World Hypertension League, he continues to lead collaborative global initiatives to improve circulatory health.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award and recognition from the American Heart Association,” said Lackland. “Throughout my career, I have focused on understanding the social and biological drivers of high blood pressure and stroke. I share this recognition with my many colleagues, students and community partners who are committed to improving health outcomes for the whole population with the common passion for prevention and risk reduction.”
Lackland earned his doctor of public health in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and holds a master’s in environmental epidemiology and a bachelor’s in biology and chemistry from the University of South Carolina. He is known for exceptional mentorship, having guided dozens of graduate students who now lead their own research programs. His service extends to numerous boards, including the Constellation Health Quality board and the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence Foundation.
