AHA Will Honor Heart Surgeon With 2026 Research Prize
Dr. Jennifer Lawton will receive the honor for her contributions to cardiac and neurological protection during surgery.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Heart Disease
Live Poll
Do you trust that new medical research breakthroughs are quickly benefiting patient care in your area?
The American Heart Association has named Dr. Jennifer Lawton as the recipient of its 2026 Basic Research Prize. She will be honored for this achievement on November 8, 2026, during the organization's annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Why it matters
This award recognizes Dr. Lawton’s work on myocardial and neuroprotection, which seeks to improve patient outcomes during complex cardiac procedures. Her research focuses on methods to shield the heart and brain from injury when surgical intervention is required.
Dr. Lawton’s recognition follows an extensive career, including the lead role in the first FDA-regulated, first-in-human Phase I Safety and Feasibility Trial of Cardioplegia with Diazoxide. Her body of work includes more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
The players
American Heart Association
A national organization dedicated to reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke through research funding and public health advocacy.
Dr. Jennifer Lawton
A cardiac surgeon and University of Maryland faculty member recognized for her research on heart and brain protection.
The details
Dr. Lawton’s laboratory investigates how potassium (K) channel activation, specifically through the drug diazoxide, can protect heart tissue. By stabilizing these channels during surgery, the research aims to mitigate the cellular damage that often occurs when blood flow is interrupted. This work seeks to advance safer surgical standards by shielding organs from the stress of cardiac procedures.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The American Heart Association announced Dr. Lawton as the 2026 prize recipient.
November 6-9, 2026: The American Heart Association will hold its Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
November 8, 2026: The organization will present the award to Dr. Lawton.
Health Landscape
This award highlights the ongoing clinical evolution toward improving organ protection during major heart operations. It underscores the critical role of fundamental research in shaping the evidence-based standards used by surgeons across the United States.
For patients preparing for cardiac surgery, this research emphasizes the importance of asking your surgical team about their approach to myocardial protection. You may wish to discuss how your surgeon manages intraoperative risks to your heart and brain during your pre-operative consultation.
The takeaway
Dr. Lawton’s work exemplifies the critical push to make life-saving cardiac surgeries safer through cellular protection research. Patients facing heart procedures should prioritize discussing protective strategies with their care team to ensure the best possible surgical experience.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in cardiac care by visiting our Heart Disease section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new medical research breakthroughs are quickly benefiting patient care in your area?
