The American Stroke Association will honor eleven scientists for their contributions to stroke and brain health research during the International Stroke Conference 2026 in New Orleans. The recognition spans five researchers receiving lifetime achievement awards and six others being honored for new research findings presented at the conference.
Bruce Ovbiagele, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, will receive the Edgar J. Kenton III Lecture Award for his work addressing racial and ethnic stroke disparities. Pooja Khatri, M.D., of Yale University, will be honored with the William M. Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke for her contributions to stroke care research. Raghu Vemuganti, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, will receive the Thomas Willis Lecture Award for his basic science research on ischemic stroke mechanisms.
Kazunori Toyoda, M.D., Ph.D., of Japan's National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, will be recognized with the Ralph L. Sacco Outstanding Stroke Research Mentor Award for mentoring future stroke researchers. Seemant Chaturvedi, M.D., of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will receive the David G. Sherman Lecture Award for his work in stroke prevention and treatment.
Six additional researchers will be honored for specific new findings. Amar Dhand, M.D., D.Phil., of Brigham and Women's Hospital, will receive the Stroke Rehabilitation Award for research on measuring social interactions in stroke survivors. Soomin Jeong, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, will be recognized with the Stroke Basic Science Award for research on restoring the blood-brain barrier after stroke.
Zhe Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., of Beijing Luhe Hospital, will receive the Robert G. Siekert New Investigator Award for research on neuroprotection after endovascular therapy. Daniela Renedo, M.D., of Yale School of Medicine, will be honored with the Mordecai Y.T. Globus New Investigator Award for research on decoding the etiology of embolic ischemic stroke.
Zhiyu (Roman) Yan, M.S., a Ph.D. student at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, will receive the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Award for research on proteomic signatures in cerebrovascular diseases. Sheng Zhang, Ph.D., of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, will be recognized with the Stroke Care in Emergency Medicine Award for research on prehospital blood pressure management in intracerebral hemorrhage patients.
This recognition matters because stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. According to the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, stroke is now the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The research being honored addresses critical gaps in stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and health equity.
The implications of these awards extend beyond academic recognition. Ovbiagele's work on health disparities could lead to more equitable stroke care outcomes across different populations. Khatri's clinical trial innovations may accelerate the development of new stroke treatments. Vemuganti's basic science research could uncover new therapeutic targets for brain protection after stroke.
The new investigator awards highlight promising directions in stroke research. Cheng's work on neuroprotection during endovascular therapy could improve outcomes for acute stroke patients. Renedo's multi-omics approach to understanding stroke etiology might lead to more personalized prevention strategies. Yan's research on vascular cognitive impairment addresses the intersection of stroke and dementia, two major public health challenges.
These recognitions occur at the International Stroke Conference, described as a world premier meeting for stroke researchers and clinicians. The conference program and additional information are available through the American Stroke Association's resources. The association notes that study findings presented at its scientific meetings are considered preliminary until published in peer-reviewed journals.
The collective work of these researchers represents significant progress against a disease that affects millions globally. Their contributions span the spectrum from basic science discoveries to clinical applications and public health interventions, all aimed at reducing the burden of stroke and improving brain health outcomes for patients worldwide.
