Jennifer S. Lawton, M.D., FAHA, a pioneering cardiac surgeon-scientist whose translational research has advanced the protection of the heart and brain during cardiac surgery, will receive the 2026 Basic Research Prize from the American Heart Association. The award will be presented during the Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, to be held Nov. 6-9, 2026, in Chicago, with recognition at the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8. The prize highlights the critical importance of bridging basic science and clinical care 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 work on myocardial protection and neuroprotection. Her laboratory has advanced the understanding of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide, uncovering mechanisms that reduce myocardial injury during ischemia and reperfusion. This research has direct implications for preventing heart damage during surgery, a major cause of postoperative complications.
Her decades of 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 significant step in translating basic science discoveries into potential therapies that could protect the heart during surgery. Additionally, her investigations into neurologic injury during circulatory arrest have advanced protective strategies to reduce brain injury, addressing a devastating complication that can lead to cognitive impairment and stroke.
Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's 2026-2027 volunteer president, praised Dr. Lawton's contributions. "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," Patel said. "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 work has been supported by sustained funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and the Thoracic Surgery Foundation. Her research has expanded into brain protection during hypothermic circulatory arrest while continuing to develop innovative therapies for patients undergoing complex cardiac operations. The implications of her work extend beyond the operating room, offering hope for reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading causes of death globally.
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 chair of the AHA/ACC/SCAI Guideline Writing Committee for Coronary Artery Revascularization from 2019 to 2021. Her volunteer leadership with the Heart Association includes serving as chair of the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia from 2017 to 2019. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org.
Dr. Lawton's receipt of the Basic Research Prize underscores the vital role of foundational research in driving clinical progress. Her work not only enhances the safety of cardiac surgery but also paves the way for new therapies that could improve patient outcomes worldwide. As the American Heart Association celebrates its Scientific Sessions 2026, Dr. Lawton's recognition serves as a testament to the power of translational science to transform patient care.
