Jennifer S. Lawton, M.D., FAHA, a pioneering researcher in heart and brain protection during cardiac surgery, will receive the 2026 Basic Research Prize from the American Heart Association (AHA) at its Scientific Sessions 2026, to be held Nov. 6-9, 2026, in Chicago. The award recognizes her decades of translational research focused on myocardial protection and neuroprotection, which has advanced the understanding of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and led to novel therapies to reduce injury during cardiac surgery.
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 work on the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide, which helps uncover mechanisms that 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). Her investigations into neurologic injury during circulatory arrest have also advanced protective strategies used in complex cardiac operations.
“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.”
The implications of this award extend beyond honoring an individual researcher. Dr. Lawton's work exemplifies how basic science discoveries can directly lead to clinical applications that save lives and improve outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery. Her laboratory has received sustained funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Heart Association and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation, underscoring the importance of investing in foundational research. By defining the mechanisms through which KATP channel activation protects the heart, her work has opened new avenues for developing therapies that could reduce complications and enhance recovery for countless patients.
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, including chairing the AHA/ACC/SCAI Guideline Writing Committee for Coronary Artery Revascularization from 2019 to 2021. Her volunteer leadership with the AHA includes serving as chair of the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia from 2017 to 2019. This award not only recognizes her scientific contributions but also highlights the critical role of mentorship and leadership in advancing cardiovascular research.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association, an organization that has supported numerous projects throughout my career and is a champion supporter of cardiovascular research across the spectrum,” said Dr. Lawton. “I look forward to continuing my journey of scientific discovery, collaboration and improving outcomes for patients through research.”
The AHA's Scientific Sessions is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements in cardiovascular science. Dr. Lawton will be recognized during the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org. Additional details about the release can be found at www.newmediawire.com.
