Yale Neurologist 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 distinguished professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine, will be awarded the 2024 Basic Research Prize at the upcoming Scientific Sessions in Chicago. This recognition underscores the significant impact of Dr. Sansing's work in the field of neurovascular diseases, particularly in understanding and improving outcomes for stroke patients.

Dr. Sansing's research focuses on the intricate relationship between the immune system and brain recovery following strokes and other cerebrovascular injuries. Her work is particularly notable for its potential to revolutionize stroke treatment by identifying which immune responses aid in brain healing and which hinder recovery. This knowledge could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for stroke patients, potentially improving their chances of recovery and quality of life.

As the leader of an AHA- and NIH-funded lab at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Sansing heads a team of 14 researchers studying immune system responses to ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and vascular dementia. Their goal is to translate their findings into practical applications that can enhance patient care. This research is crucial as stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with limited treatment options currently available.

The impact of Dr. Sansing's work extends beyond her laboratory. She is actively involved in clinical trials at Yale and provides care for stroke patients at Yale New Haven Hospital. Her commitment to advancing the field is further demonstrated by her role as chair of the International Stroke Conference for 2025-2026 and her mentorship of future scientists and physician-scientists.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, the AHA's 2024-2025 volunteer president, highlighted the significance of Dr. Sansing's research, stating that her discoveries could change the landscape of stroke treatment in the near future. This sentiment reflects the potential for Dr. Sansing's work to lead to paradigm shifts in how strokes are treated and managed.

The recognition of Dr. Sansing's work by the AHA, a leading authority in cardiovascular health, underscores the importance of continued research in stroke and brain injury recovery. It also highlights the critical role of understanding immune responses in developing more effective treatments for these conditions.

Dr. Sansing's achievements, including authoring over 140 peer-reviewed papers and her previous recognition with the AHA's Established Investigator Award in 2019, demonstrate her significant contributions to the field. Her ongoing work in the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network further emphasizes her commitment to rigorous testing of potential stroke treatments.

As stroke remains a major health concern globally, the implications of Dr. Sansing's research are far-reaching. Her work not only contributes to the scientific understanding of stroke and brain injuries but also holds promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of these conditions on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.

The award will be presented during the Presidential Session of the AHA Scientific Sessions on November 17, 2024, providing a platform to showcase the importance of basic research in advancing clinical care. This recognition serves as an inspiration for other researchers in the field and highlights the ongoing need for innovative approaches in stroke treatment and recovery.