Medical University of South Carolina Professor Honored with 2025 Population Research Prize for Hypertension and Stroke Research

Daniel T. Lackland, Dr.P.H., FAHA, professor of epidemiology and neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina, will receive the 2025 Population Research Prize at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025. The award recognizes Dr. Lackland's extensive contributions to hypertension research, stroke prevention, and addressing gaps in cardiovascular disease outcomes. His work has significantly advanced understanding of population-level health disparities, particularly in underserved communities.

Dr. Lackland's research has played a pivotal role in documenting the dramatic decline in U.S. stroke mortality, which decreased from 88 to 23 per 100,000 between 1950 and 2010. As chair of a 2013 American Heart Association scientific statement, he attributed this decline to aggressive hypertension treatment strategies. His vital research has contributed to significant improvements in blood pressure care over the last two decades, making cardiovascular care more effective and accessible.

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. 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. These leadership roles demonstrate his commitment to addressing health inequities through rigorous scientific investigation.

As a fellow of the American Heart Association and the American College of Epidemiology, Dr. Lackland has been an active contributor to clinical guidelines, including the 2013 and 2017 hypertension guidelines. His international impact extends through his role as current editor-in-chief of the World Hypertension League Newsletter and past president of the World Hypertension League, where he continues to lead collaborative global initiatives to improve circulatory health. More information about the American Heart Association's work can be found at https://heart.org.

Dr. Lackland has authored more than 350 peer-reviewed publications and mentored dozens of graduate students, many of whom now lead their own research programs. His exceptional mentorship extends beyond academic settings to numerous boards and advisory roles, including serving as a past volunteer regional board president of the American Heart Association. He also serves on the board of the Constellation Health Quality and chairs the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to improving healthcare quality at multiple levels.

The Population Research Prize recognition highlights the importance of population-level research in addressing cardiovascular health disparities. Dr. Lackland's work exemplifies how sustained research efforts can lead to tangible improvements in public health outcomes, particularly in communities most affected by hypertension and stroke. His focus on both biological and social drivers of cardiovascular disease provides a comprehensive approach to prevention and risk reduction that benefits diverse populations worldwide.