Award-winning project advances evidence-based care through member-driven innovation
Alexandria, VA – April 13, 2026 – The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recently announced Marina Serper, MD, MS, FAASLD as the inaugural recipient of the AASLD Project Innovation Award.
Launched in 2025 and supported by a generous anonymous donor through the AASLD Foundation, the Project Innovation Award was created to fund high-impact, innovative, member-led initiatives that address gaps in liver health and accelerate progress in clinical care, education, and community engagement. The award provides both financial support and a structured pathway to elevate innovative ideas to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of hepatology.
Dr. Serper, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and transplant hepatologist, was selected for her work developing a digital practice toolkit designed to support clinicians in delivering evidence-based care for patients with liver disease. Developed in collaboration with AASLD’s Practice Metrics Committee, the project translates clinical guidelines into practical, real-time tools for use in both inpatient and outpatient settings, bridging the gap between evidence and implementation.
The toolkit will initially focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), establishing a foundation for expanding evidence-based, digital clinical support across additional liver disease areas over time.
“Dr. Serper’s work exemplifies the type of innovation this award was created to support,” said Saul J. Karpen, MD, PhD, FAASLD, President of AASLD. “This is an important step forward in how AASLD is investing in member-driven innovation that advances the field.”
“Through the Project Innovation Award, AASLD is investing in the ideas that will shape the future of hepatology,” said Dr. Tamar Taddei, MD, FAASLD. “Dr. Serper’s project shows how supporting innovation at the member level can drive meaningful advances in care and patient outcomes.”
Dr. Serper’s work is grounded in identifying gaps in care and developing solutions that translate into real-world impact for patients with cirrhosis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and those undergoing liver transplantation. Her award-winning project reflects a growing emphasis on integrating evidence-based guidance into everyday clinical workflows.
“I’m excited that AASLD is committing resources to improving the availability of evidence-based tools to take care of patients with liver diseases,” said Dr. Serper. “This project helps bring evidence-based guidelines into clinical practice, making it easier for clinicians to deliver the best possible care.”
As the inaugural recipient, Dr. Serper’s recognition sets the tone for the future of the Project Innovation Award and underscores AASLD’s broader commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and impact across the liver health community.
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About AASLD
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), founded in 1950, is the leading global organization of scientists and health care professionals dedicated to advancing the science and practice of hepatology and improving liver health for all. Through cutting-edge research, professional education, practice guidance, advocacy, and collaboration, AASLD works to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure liver disease. The association supports a vibrant, multidisciplinary community committed to driving innovation and improving patient outcomes worldwide. Learn more at www.aasld.org.