Leigh G. Griffiths

Leigh G. Griffiths, Ph.D., MRCVS, is a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, holding dual appointments as Consultant in the Division of Structural Heart Disease, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Senior Associate Consultant II-Research in the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering. Based in Rochester, Minnesota, his work bridges veterinary and human cardiovascular medicine through innovative research in tissue engineering and transplant immunology.

Dr. Griffiths earned his VetMB, MA, and BA in Biochemistry and Veterinary Medicine from Emmanuel College, Cambridge University, followed by a Ph.D. in Clinical Sciences from Colorado State University. He completed specialized training in veterinary cardiology and cardiac surgery, and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology) and a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

His research focuses on overcoming immunological barriers in organ transplantation and advancing cardiovascular regenerative medicine. Key areas include developing nonimmunogenic xenogeneic scaffolds for heart valves and vascular grafts, identifying non-HLA antibodies in transplant rejection, and engineering whole-heart tissues. His lab’s work aims to create implantable tissues that integrate without immunosuppression, enabling lifelong function.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in immunoproteomics, extracellular matrix engineering, and translational biomaterials. His studies span from antigen identification and scaffold optimization to in vivo testing of bioadhesive and anti-fibrotic technologies, demonstrating a consistent focus on clinical translation.

• Discovery Science Award, Regenerative Medicine Minnesota (2019)
• Katherine Gates - NIH T32 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2014)
• Chai Wei Chang - CIRM stem cell training program fellowship (2013)
• Angeliki Papalamprou - AHA predoctoral fellowship (2013)
• People's Choice Award, Launch UC Berkeley Startup Competition (2014)
• Big Bang! Business plan competition winner (2013)

Dr. Griffiths has mentored numerous trainees who have received national fellowships and has served on NIH study sections, thesis committees, and institutional research leadership roles. He is actively involved in curriculum development and graduate education at Mayo Clinic. His Cardiovascular Engineering Research Laboratory is a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, collaborating with clinicians, engineers, and industry partners to advance regenerative therapies.