Ohio State's Heart and Vascular Center Names 2015 Schottenstein Laureate

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Center announces Dr. Roberto Bolli of the University of Louisville as the recipient of the 2015 Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Prize in Cardiovascular Sciences. At the University of Louisville, Bolli leads the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, directs the Institute of Molecular Cardiology and serves as executive vice chair of the Department of Medicine and scientific director of the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute.

 

The Schottenstein Prize is among the largest monetary prizes in the United States dedicated to cardiovascular research. Bolli receives an honorarium of $100,000 and will be honored with his award during a ceremony on Nov. 4. 

 

Bolli is widely recognized for his extraordinary contributions to cardiovascular research. He is most noted for his groundbreaking work in the areas of cardioprotection and regenerative cardiology. He led the first study ever of cardiac stem cells in patients and is currently investigating the use of cell therapy to repair infarcted myocardium. Bolli has received continuous and diverse NIH funding, and has assumed leadership roles in the American Heart Association, the International Society for Heart Research and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

 

“I’m deeply honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award. I would like to thank the leadership of the University of Louisville for their steadfast support of my research efforts over the past 20 years and all of the members of our research team for their outstanding work and dedication, which have made this recognition possible. The Schottenstein Prize recognizes all of them,” Bolli said.

 

“This award will further strengthen our resolve to advance the research agenda of the University of Louisville, focusing on pioneering studies of new therapies such as the use of adult stem cells to regenerate heart muscle in patients with heart failure and to improve blood flow in patients with peripheral arterial disease,” he said.

 

While in Columbus, Bolli will lecture and meet with several cardiovascular physicians and researchers at the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute.

 

The Schottenstein Prize was established in 2008 with a $2 million gift from Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein for an endowed fund to award the prize biennially. The prize goes to a physician or researcher who is an international leader in cardiovascular medicine, cardiothoracic surgery or molecular or cellular cardiology.

 

“We congratulate Roberto for achieving this award. He’s such a scientist,” said Dr. Thomas Ryan, director of the Ohio State Heart and Vascular Center. “His work on heart muscle protection and regeneration has greatly increased our understanding of the cellular changes that occur during a heart attack and how to minimize and repair the damage that results.”

 

Philanthropists Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein are well known for their support of The Ohio State University. Jay is a former member of The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute Foundation Board. Jeanie served on The Ohio State University Foundation Board. 

 

Ohio State’s Heart and Vascular Center is a leader in cardiovascular care, translating research discoveries made at the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute into patient care in cardiovascular medicine, vascular surgery and cardiothoracic surgery at the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital.

 

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