The American Heart Association will honor Dr. Jennifer S. Lawton with its 2026 Basic Research Prize for her pioneering translational research in myocardial protection and neuroprotection during cardiac surgery. The award will be presented during the Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, to be held Nov. 6-9, 2026, in Chicago, with the recognition taking place during the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8. This award highlights the critical importance of bridging basic science and clinical practice to improve outcomes for patients undergoing complex cardiac operations.
Dr. Lawton, formerly the Richard B. Darnall Professor of Surgery and chief of the division of cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, is now faculty at the University of Maryland. She is internationally recognized for her laboratory's work on adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide, which have uncovered novel mechanisms to reduce myocardial injury during ischemia and reperfusion. Her research includes the first FDA-regulated, first-in-human Phase I Safety and Feasibility Trial of Cardioplegia with Diazoxide (CPG-DZX), a significant step toward new therapies that could minimize heart damage during surgery.
Beyond myocardial protection, Dr. Lawton's investigations into neurologic injury during circulatory arrest have advanced protective strategies to reduce brain injury in cardiac surgery. Her work has received sustained funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation. More recently, her research has expanded into brain protection during hypothermic circulatory arrest, further addressing the dual challenges of heart and brain preservation in complex operations.
The implications of this recognition extend beyond a single career. Dr. Lawton's achievements underscore the vital role of translational research in transforming basic cardiovascular science into therapies that directly benefit patients. As Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's 2026-2027 volunteer president, noted, her work has "advanced the understanding of myocardial protection and transformed the translation of basic cardiovascular science into therapies that improve patient care." This award also shines a light on the next generation of physician-scientists, as Dr. Lawton has mentored dozens of medical students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral researchers who now serve as academic leaders worldwide.
Dr. Lawton's contributions to the field have also shaped clinical guidelines and research priorities. She chaired the AHA/ACC/SCAI Guideline Writing Committee for Coronary Artery Revascularization from 2019 to 2021 and held leadership roles within the Heart Association's Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia. Her extensive publication record, including more than 250 scientific manuscripts, and her service on editorial boards such as the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and JAMA Cardiology, reflect her broad influence on cardiovascular science.
As cardiac surgery continues to evolve, Dr. Lawton's research addresses some of the most pressing challenges: protecting the heart and brain during procedures that require circulatory arrest or ischemia-reperfusion. Her work not only improves surgical outcomes but also lays the foundation for future innovations in organ protection. The 2026 Basic Research Prize thus recognizes not just past achievements but a continuing journey of discovery that promises to enhance patient care for years to come. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org or stroke.org.
