MUSC Professor Daniel Lackland to Receive 2025 Population Research Prize for Hypertension Research
Dr. Daniel Lackland's recognition by the American Heart Association highlights the critical importance of population-level research in addressing cardiovascular health disparities and improving hypertension treatment strategies globally.
Dr. Daniel T. Lackland, 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 efforts to address disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes across different communities. His work has significantly influenced clinical guidelines and public health strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular mortality rates.
Dr. Lackland's research has been instrumental in documenting the dramatic decline in U.S. stroke mortality, which decreased from 88 to 23 per 100,000 people between 1950 and 2010. As chair of the 2013 American Heart Association scientific statement, he attributed this decline to aggressive hypertension treatment strategies that have become standard practice. His ongoing research continues to shape blood pressure care protocols, which remain a critical component of cardiovascular health management. The American Heart Association's recognition underscores the lasting impact of population-level research on clinical practice and public health policy.
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, accessible through the American Heart Association website, represents a significant step toward addressing health inequities. 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, demonstrating his broad influence across multiple major research initiatives.
The implications of Dr. Lackland's work extend beyond academic recognition to tangible improvements in patient care and public health outcomes. His focus on understanding both social and biological drivers of high blood pressure has helped bridge the gap between research and practical application. As past president of the World Hypertension League and current editor-in-chief of the World Hypertension League Newsletter, Dr. Lackland continues to lead global initiatives aimed at improving circulatory health. The award presentation during the Presidential Session on November 9, 2025, at the Scientific Sessions in New Orleans will highlight how population research directly contributes to reducing cardiovascular disease burden worldwide.
Dr. Lackland's mentorship of graduate students and his leadership in numerous advisory roles further amplifies the impact of his work. Many of his former students now lead their own research programs, creating a multiplier effect that extends his influence across the cardiovascular research community. His recognition by the American Heart Association serves as validation for the importance of sustained, population-focused research in addressing complex public health challenges. The award also emphasizes the critical role of epidemiological studies in shaping evidence-based clinical guidelines that improve patient outcomes across diverse populations.