Dr. Jennifer Lawton Will Receive AHA Research Prize
The American Heart Association will honor the cardiac surgery expert in November 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Heart Disease
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The American Heart Association will present its 2026 Basic Research Prize to Dr. Jennifer Lawton on November 8, 2026. The award ceremony is part of the association’s annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Why it matters
The prize honors Dr. Lawton for her pioneering research into myocardial and neuroprotection techniques during cardiac surgery. Her work aims to improve patient outcomes by safeguarding heart and brain function during invasive procedures.
Dr. Lawton has authored more than 250 scientific manuscripts throughout her career. This research record includes the first FDA-regulated, first-in-human Phase I Safety and Feasibility Trial of Cardioplegia with Diazoxide.
The players
Dr. Jennifer Lawton
She is a cardiac surgery expert and faculty member at the University of Maryland known for her research on heart and brain protection.
American Heart Association
This is a national voluntary health agency that funds cardiovascular medical research and public health education.
The details
Dr. Lawton, who is currently faculty at the University of Maryland, previously served as the division chief of cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her laboratory focuses on the cardioprotective effects of K channel activation using diazoxide.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Announcement of the 2026 Basic Research Prize recipient.
November 6-9, 2026: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
November 8, 2026: Presentation of the award to Dr. Lawton.
Deeper Dive
Dr. Lawton previously chaired the AHA/ACC/SCAI Guideline Writing Committee for Coronary Artery Revascularization. Her recognition follows a career dedicated to the evidence-based standards established by this committee.
This research impacts how surgeons protect patient organs during life-saving heart operations. Advancements in cardioplegia and neuroprotection aim to reduce complications for patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery.
The takeaway
Dr. Lawton’s work demonstrates how clinical research can directly translate into safer surgical procedures for patients with heart disease. Her recognition highlights the vital role of basic science in evolving cardiac care standards.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in Heart Disease research and treatment standards.
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