The American Heart Association will award its 2026 Basic Research Prize to Jennifer S. Lawton, M.D., FAHA, a pioneering researcher in myocardial and neuroprotection during cardiac surgery. The award will be presented during the Association's Scientific Sessions 2026, held Nov. 6-9 in Chicago, with the recognition taking place during the Presidential Session on Sunday, Nov. 8. 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.
Dr. Lawton is internationally recognized for her translational research focused on protecting the heart and brain during cardiac surgery. Her laboratory has advanced understanding of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide, uncovering mechanisms that reduce myocardial injury during ischemia and reperfusion. Her work includes the first FDA-regulated, first-in-human Phase I Safety and Feasibility Trial of Cardioplegia with Diazoxide (CPG-DZX). Her research on neurologic injury during circulatory arrest has also advanced protective strategies used to reduce injury during cardiac surgery.
"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."
Among her most significant contributions is defining how KATP channel activation protects the heart from ischemic injury during cardiac surgery. Her laboratory 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 while continuing to advance innovative therapies for patients undergoing complex cardiac operations.
"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."
This award highlights the critical importance of translational research in improving surgical outcomes. As cardiac surgery increasingly involves older and sicker patients, strategies to protect the heart and brain during operations can reduce complications, shorten recovery times and save lives. Dr. Lawton's work directly addresses these needs, with her first-in-human trial representing a major step toward new therapies. Her dedication to mentoring future surgeon-scientists also ensures that advances in cardiovascular care will continue for years to come. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit heart.org or stroke.org.
