The American Heart Association will recognize Dr. Jennifer S. Lawton with its 2026 Basic Research Prize at Scientific Sessions 2026, to be held November 6–9 in Chicago. The award, presented during the Presidential Session on Sunday, November 8, honors her pioneering translational research on myocardial protection and neuroprotection during cardiac surgery. This recognition matters because it underscores how basic science discoveries can be translated into therapies that directly improve outcomes for patients undergoing complex heart 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 in Baltimore, and now faculty at the University of Maryland, is internationally recognized for her work on adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide. Her laboratory has helped uncover novel mechanisms that reduce myocardial injury during ischemia and reperfusion. Her decades of successful translational research include the first FDA-regulated, first-in-human Phase I Safety and Feasibility Trial of Cardioplegia with Diazoxide (CPG-DZX). This trial represents a critical step in moving laboratory findings into clinical practice, potentially offering new ways to protect the heart during surgery.
Her research investigating neurologic injury during circulatory arrest has advanced knowledge of protective strategies used to reduce injury during cardiac surgery. More recently, her work has expanded into brain protection during hypothermic circulatory arrest while continuing to develop innovative therapies for patients undergoing complex cardiac operations. These contributions are vital because they address two of the most serious risks in cardiac surgery—heart and brain injury—and could lead to safer procedures and better long-term outcomes.
“Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Lawton, whose groundbreaking research has advanced the understanding of myocardial protection and transformed the translation of basic cardiovascular science into therapies that improve patient care,” said Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's 2026-2027 volunteer president. “She is an innovative scientist, accomplished surgeon and exceptional leader whose contributions have advanced cardiovascular research and inspire the next generation of physician-scientists.” Dr. Lawton’s laboratory has received sustained funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, reflecting the broad impact of her work. Her research has not only advanced scientific understanding but also helped shape clinical guidelines; she chaired the AHA/ACC/SCAI Guideline Writing Committee for Coronary Artery Revascularization from 2019 to 2021, ensuring that evidence-based practices reach the bedside.
Beyond her research, Dr. Lawton has dedicated her career to mentoring future surgeon-scientists, training dozens of medical students, residents, fellows and postdoctoral researchers. She has authored more than 250 scientific manuscripts and held numerous leadership roles within national surgical organizations and professional societies. Her receipt of the 2026 Basic Research Prize highlights the essential role of basic research in driving cardiovascular breakthroughs and inspires continued investment in the next generation of physician-scientists. Additional multimedia is available on the right column of the release link. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org.
