Yale Researcher Dr. Lauren Sansing Honored with American Heart Association's 2024 Basic Research Prize

The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced that Dr. Lauren H. Sansing, a professor of neurology and immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine, will be awarded the 2024 Basic Research Prize at the upcoming Scientific Sessions in Chicago. This recognition highlights Dr. Sansing's significant contributions to understanding and potentially improving outcomes for patients with complex neurovascular diseases, particularly stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.

Dr. Sansing's research focuses on deciphering the immune system's responses following ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and vascular dementia. Her work aims to distinguish between immune responses that aid brain healing and those that hinder recovery. This critical knowledge could lead to targeted therapies that enhance beneficial immune responses while suppressing detrimental ones, potentially transforming the landscape of stroke treatment and patient care.

The implications of Dr. Sansing's research are far-reaching. Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and current treatment options are limited. By unraveling the complex interplay between the immune system and brain injury, Dr. Sansing's work opens new avenues for intervention that could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life post-stroke.

At Yale, Dr. Sansing leads a team of 14 researchers, students, and trainees in her AHA- and NIH-funded laboratory. Their collective efforts are not only advancing our understanding of neurovascular diseases but also actively working to translate these findings into clinical applications. The Sansing Lab's commitment to rigorous testing of potential stroke treatments through the NINDS-funded Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network underscores the practical, patient-centered focus of their research.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, the AHA's 2024-2025 volunteer president, emphasized the potential impact of Dr. Sansing's work, stating that her discoveries are likely to change the landscape of stroke treatment in the near future. This recognition by the AHA, a leading authority in cardiovascular health, underscores the significance and promise of Dr. Sansing's research in the field of neurology and stroke medicine.

Beyond her research, Dr. Sansing's contributions to the field extend to patient care, clinical trials, and mentorship. As an active clinician at Yale New Haven Hospital and an investigator in multiple ongoing clinical trials, she bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and bedside applications. Her role in mentoring future scientists and physician-scientists, including directing educational programs at Yale, ensures that her impact will continue through the next generation of researchers.

The recognition of Dr. Sansing's work comes at a critical time in stroke research. As the global population ages, the incidence of stroke and other neurovascular diseases is expected to rise, making advancements in treatment and recovery more crucial than ever. Dr. Sansing's research into the immune system's role in brain injury and recovery could lead to more personalized and effective treatments, potentially reducing the long-term disability associated with stroke.

The award will be presented during the Presidential Session of the AHA Scientific Sessions on November 17, 2024, providing a platform to showcase Dr. Sansing's work to the international cardiovascular science community. This exposure could catalyze further research and collaboration in the field, accelerating the pace of discovery and translation to clinical practice.

As the medical community continues to grapple with the challenges of treating and preventing stroke, Dr. Sansing's research offers hope for improved outcomes and recovery potential for millions of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases worldwide. Her work exemplifies the critical role of basic science research in driving medical advancements and underscores the importance of continued support and funding for such foundational studies in neurology and cardiovascular health.