Dr. Daniel T. Lackland, Dr.P.H., FAHA, professor of epidemiology and neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina, will receive the Population Research Prize at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025 in November. This recognition highlights the critical importance of population-level research in addressing cardiovascular disease disparities and improving public health outcomes nationwide.
The award ceremony will take place during the Presidential Session on November 9, 2025, at the premier global cardiovascular science meeting in New Orleans. Dr. Lackland's work has been instrumental in understanding hypertension and stroke prevention, with particular focus on reducing health inequities across different communities. His research has directly contributed to significant improvements in blood pressure care over the past two decades, making this recognition not just a personal achievement but a testament to the impact of sustained public health research.
Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, the American Heart Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, emphasized the significance of Dr. Lackland's contributions. "Dr. Daniel Lackland's research continues to shape our understanding of hypertension and stroke, especially in underserved communities," said Rosen. She highlighted his pivotal role as chair of a 2013 American Heart Association scientific statement that documented the dramatic decline in U.S. stroke mortality from 88 to 23 per 100,000 between 1950 and 2010, attributing this progress to aggressive hypertension treatment strategies.
Currently, Dr. Lackland serves as principal investigator for the Black Pooling Project, a national, multi-cohort observational study that combines data from nine large epidemiologic studies to better understand racial disparities in cardiovascular disease and hypertension among Black Americans. This research is crucial for developing targeted interventions that address specific community needs. He also chairs the Executive and Steering Committees of the long-running CARDIA study and serves as chair of the Observational Study Monitoring Board for the RURAL Study, among many other national research roles.
With more than 350 peer-reviewed publications to his name, Dr. Lackland's influence extends beyond his own research through his mentorship of dozens of graduate students, many of whom now lead their own groundbreaking research programs. His service includes participation in numerous boards and advisory roles, including serving as a past volunteer regional board president of the American Heart Association. Additional information about the American Heart Association's work can be found at heart.org.
Dr. Lackland's global impact is further demonstrated through his leadership roles with the World Hypertension League, where he serves as current editor-in-chief of their newsletter and continues to lead collaborative global initiatives to improve circulatory health. His work exemplifies how sustained research commitment can translate into tangible health improvements for populations worldwide. The original announcement detailing this recognition is available through www.newmediawire.com.
"I'm incredibly honored to receive this award and recognition from the American Heart Association," said Dr. Lackland. "Throughout my career, I have focused on understanding the social and biological drivers of high blood pressure and stroke. I share this recognition with my many colleagues, students and community partners who are committed to improving health outcomes for the whole population with the common passion for prevention and risk reduction." This award underscores the vital importance of population health research in creating evidence-based strategies that save lives and reduce health disparities across communities.
