RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2025
Nursing Research: Transforming Global Health in a Changing World
08 Sep 2025 - 10 Sep
Choose event information:
**Call for abstracts now open - closing date 16 March 2025**
Nursing Research: Transforming Global Health in a Changing World
Translational research based on best available evidence to improve care is core business for Nurses. This conference will explore the pivotal role of nursing research in addressing pressing health challenges. As global health dynamics evolve due to emerging diseases, climate change, and shifting demographics, this conference will highlight how innovative research can drive equitable, evidence-based care.
Bringing together nursing leaders, researchers, and practitioners, the conference will foster collaboration to advance healthcare solutions, strengthen resilience, and shape the future of global health in an ever-changing landscape.
The 2025 RCN International Nursing Research Conference will also showcase research that demonstrates strong methodological expertise and team working leading to improved clinical and applied health, public, social and community health and/or acute care settings. We will celebrate research that uses innovative designs to facilitate inclusion of all stakeholders.
Whilst the annual RCN International Nursing Research Conference focuses on celebrating nursing research, we are keen to welcome all health and social care professionals.
The programme will also showcase:
- Nursing research from all fields and specialities that aim to improve health and social care outcomes in a range of settings.
- Research using inclusive methods and that celebrate diversity
- Embedding of research into nursing roles to apply best evidence, improve clinical practice and enhance impact
- Inclusive patient and public involvement
- Trans-disciplinary research and researchers.
2025 Clinical Research Nursing
We are delighted that following on from the successes of last year, the RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2025 will include a day’s programme specifically for Clinical Research Nursing, open to all delegates. This will support learning and celebrate the work of nurses who lead, design and deliver research in clinical settings.
To aid CRN submissions a webinar on how to write an abstract will be held in late January. .
Please note. All presenters are required to register to attend the conference in person to present.
Words from the 2025 Conference Chair, Professor Jane Coad
“We are so looking forward to meeting you in Exeter in 2025 to hear about your transformative research and share the future possibilities for future research. We will have a full and comprehensive programme which will enable opportunities to present, discuss and debate impactful research, but also network with friends – old and new. We do hope you can join us in September for what promises to be an insightful and informative three days."
Target audience
The conference is open to anyone interested in nursing and research. It will be of interest to nurses, and colleagues in related disciplines, involved in the development and use of knowledge that impacts on nursing practice or the context in which nurses’ practice.
#RCNresearch25
For event queries please contact:
rcnevents@rcn.org.uk
+44 (0)20 7647 3578
The Forum Building - University of Exeter
Stocker Road
Exeter
EX4 4PY
Please read the below before submitting your abstract.
Submit your abstract via
Key diary dates
|
December 2024 |
Call for abstracts open |
|
Sun 16 March 2025, Midnight |
Call for abstracts close |
|
Tues 18 March 2025 |
Abstracts allocated to International Scientific Advisory Panel (ISAP) for review |
|
Weds 30 April 2025 |
Submitters will be notified via the online abstract management system of the outcome of the review |
|
Mon 30 June 2025 |
Presenter rate booking deadline. Late bookings are at risk of removal and will not be eligible for presenter discount. |
Criteria for abstract selection
View the criteria and guidance for abstract selection.
View conference terms and conditions.
We strongly recommend that you invite a colleague to peer review your abstract against these criteria before you submit your abstract.
All abstracts must be submitted online through the Abstract Management System (AMS) which can be found
Once you have submitted your abstract, you will receive an email to confirm receipt. If you do not receive this confirmation within 12 hours of submission please email research@rcn.org.uk
Types of conference presentation:
1. Oral concurrent paper
A concurrent paper is presented orally. The presenter is allocated a maximum of 20 minutes to present their paper followed by 5 minutes for discussion.
2. Flash talks
Flash talks are strictly-timed 5 minute oral presentations delivered in main plenary session (i.e. to whole conference) and provide the opportunity for your findings to reach a large number of delegates but in a concise form.
3. Poster presentation
Posters are visual displays of material and are particularly suited to the presentation of factual data such as project design or findings.
A Poster is exhibited for one full day and a poster presenter participates in a facilitated, interactive poster tour.
Poster submissions should be text only and not include graphs or diagrams.
4. Visual Presentation with Expert Review (ViPER)
A ViPER involves both an oral and a poster presentation. The presenter is allocated a maximum of 10 minutes to present their poster. An expert in the field responds (max. 5 minutes) and then facilitates a discussion (up to 10 minutes).
5. Symposium (only available for research nursing track)
A symposium is a presentation of between three and five papers with a shared focus. Depending on the number of papers, the duration of a symposium is 60 to 90 minutes and each presenter is allocated a maximum of 20 minutes to present their paper followed by 5 minutes for discussion
Following the success of the last two years 'Best of the best' abstracts, we will be inviting three top-rated abstracts to present in a plenary session.
Funding
The three winning abstracts will be granted a complimentary one-day pass for the day they are presenting. Winners will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Criteria for the top-rated abstract
Highest scoring abstract after peer-review.
Where more than one abstract has the same score (or where it is excluded from consideration for one of the reasons below) the committee will select from 5 highest scoring abstracts based upon:
- Fit with conference theme
- Relevance to nursing priority areas
- Originality
Reasons for exclusion
Previous abstract winner at RCN INRC
Presenting author: keynote presenter
Criteria for the top rated student abstract
Student abstracts will be identified by a tick box on the top of the page of 'Step 3. Authors' on the submission form and considered separately. The same criteria will be applied (the exclusions not being applicable).
2024 Lorenza Nwafor - Abstract winner. Elizabeth Lemming - Best student abstract. 2023 Prof. Joanne Brooke - Abstract winner. Claire Ford - Student abstract winner. Watch previous year's winner presentations below:
Are you engaged in research with relevance to contemporary nursing or social care?
Does your research:
- address current issues in nursing and demonstrate inclusivity
- demonstrate innovative methodology
- debate developments in research methods,
- demonstrate best practice in research management and research policy
The RCN International Nursing Research Conference is recognised as a leading event for healthcare professionals and academics involved or interested in research relevant to nursing. By submitting and presenting an abstract at the International Nursing Research Conference you will benefit from:
- showcasing your work and your employer on an international platform
- debating the challenges at the heart of future nursing practice
- having your research recognised by your peers and receiving a constructive review
- sharing knowledge and innovation in research methods, management and policy
- the stimulation of sharing innovative methodological papers
You can be confident that papers are reviewed with rigour and the programme designed to create a high-quality forum in which to reflect on work, participate in networking events and discuss innovation in research.
Who can present?
If you are passionate about the future of nursing related research, how it can influence the resolution of future nursing challenges or advance nursing practice we want to hear from you!
We welcome national and international submissions from healthcare educators working in the academic, clinical and professional setting. First time or experienced presenters are welcome to submit including Students who wish to pursue a career in nursing education or research. The conference is open to RCN members and non-members.
Testimonials from previous presenters:
“I have been attending the RCN International Research Conference for over 30 years, initially as a research assistant in 1991! It is my favourite conference of the year and my ‘go to’ place to share my research and catch up with all things nursing research as well as see and network with old and new colleagues, both national and international. There is always something stimulating, and I really enjoy the debate and discussion, the social sessions and the opportunity to keep up to date on new research. I will be back!”
Jill Maben PhD, RN, Professor of Health Services Research and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey
“I have attended the RCN research conference to present for the last few years. It is great to be at a conference and network with other nurses who lead, use, deliver and participate in research. The conference has a relaxed atmosphere and is a friendly environment whether you are a first time presenter or a more seasoned pro. Learning about research that is being conducted internationally, that has the potential to transform care and improve patient outcomes, can be really inspiring and offer a great opportunity to think about how this can be translated into the clinical environment or lead to further research. This year’s programme saw for the first time, nurse leaders from across the four countries, coming together and making a commitment to nurse led research. This was an exciting opportunity that stimulated debate and gave those in attendance opportunity to influence the national agenda.”
Louise Bramley, Nottingham University/Nottingham University Trust, UK
A unique opportunity for an early career researcher!
The RCN annual international nursing research conference scientific committee is responsible for managing the process of abstract selection and preparing the scientific content of the conference programme. Professor Bridget Johnston, Chair of the Scientific Committee for the 2025 conference is offering a development opportunity for an early career researcher to join the scientific committee and is now inviting applications.
To be eligible, you must be:
- A member of the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Research Forum
- Must have started a PhD at point of application. Up to 5 years post-grad, consideration will be given to those who exceed who have taken career breaks/maternity leave etc
- Able to review abstracts (between the 18-25 March 2025) - this is an online process and does not involve attendance
- Able to join the scientific committee meeting held on Tues 22 and Thurs 24 April 2025. This will be a virtual meeting hosted on MS Teams.
- Able to attend the conference itself (8 to 10 September 2024 in Exeter).
To apply, you must submit:
- a short CV (to include your RCN membership number)
- a statement (200 words) outlining what you would bring to this role.
- a supporting statement from your research supervisor, indicating that your institution will support your attendance at the conference in full (that is, cover your conference fees, travel and accommodation costs), should you be successful.
Please send your submission, for the attention of Professor Jane Coad, to research@rcn.org.uk by Monday 10 February 2025.
Early career research testimonial
“I was just entering the final year of my PhD when I decided to apply for the early career researcher (ECR) position on the Scientific Committee for the 2022 RCN International Nursing Research Conference. I was delighted to be accepted and invited to join the committee meeting online, before attending the conference in Cardiff.
I was nervous about meeting everyone online for the first time but was made to feel enormously welcome by the committee. The meeting consisted primarily of reviewing abstracts and agreeing decisions about the structure of the conference. The committee were very supportive throughout, and I left feeling that my contribution was valued.
The two days in Cardiff were a great opportunity to learn about how everything works behind-the-scenes at an academic conference, and I was glad to get the opportunity to chair a session and to host the ECR networking event. Despite these responsibilities, I still had plenty of time to present my own research and attend several interesting and inspiring presentations. Being the ECR representative meant that over the two days I was able to meet many other ECRs and I learned a great deal about what my peers at other universities are doing.
I’ve always enjoyed the RCN research conference, but this year I got so much more from it simply because I applied for this position. For any ECR who wants to learn about how conferences work, this is a great way to do it as part of a fantastically welcoming and supportive team. Make sure you apply!”
Chris McParland, 2022 Early Career Researcher
Is this conference for me?
Attending this conference provides a quality assured opportunity to improve nursing practice, learn, network, and discuss and debate the challenges facing the future nursing workforce.
It will be of particular interest to all current and aspiring nurses, and colleagues in related disciplines, involved in the development and use of knowledge that impacts on nursing practice or the context in which nurses’ practice.
You can attend this conference as a presenting or as a non-presenting delegate. The conference provides the opportunity to:
- Hear how research is addressing contemporary nursing issues from inspirational keynote speakers
- Share and learn about cutting edge innovation in research methods, policy and management
- Showcase your research and your employer on an international stage
- Engage in supportive and constructive critical debate
- Discuss and debate the impact of research on health and social care policy and nursing practice
- Consider how you can use research findings to inform yours and colleagues’ nursing practice
- Network with like-minded colleagues – from those starting out in their careers through to distinguished keynote speakers
- Build new alliances and make new contacts
- Judge poster presentations – every vote counts
- Participate in a lively social programme
- Evaluate the event and contribute to future conference developments
- Accrue up to 27 hours of continuing professional development - for UK nurses CPD counts towards your revalidation.
Delegates can be confident that papers are reviewed with rigour and the programme is designed to create a high-quality forum in which to reflect on work, participate in networking events and discuss innovation in research.
Need a helping hand with securing time off or funding to attend? Please download these helpful hints and tips. Along with a template letter, to aid justification of attendance to your employer.
This conference and exhibition is an unrivalled opportunity for you to connect directly with nurse researchers and clinical research nurses from across the UK, working at a range of levels, in the universities, NHS, public or independent and voluntary sectors.
There are a number of ways you can get involved, from networking to raise your profile to tailored commercial packages to help achieve specific objectives. Please contact the exhibitions team on +44 (0)20 7647 3959 or email exhibitions@rcn.org.uk.
If you have any queries regarding the conference or call for abstract process, please contact the Events Team via:
Email: Research@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)2076473577
If your query relates to a booking please contact the Registration Team directly:
Email: eventsreg@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)29 2054 6460
The role of the International Scientific Advisory Panel (ISAP) is to review the abstracts that are received. If you have been a member of the ISAP in any of the previous 3 years, you will automatically be invited to be a member again.
If you have not been an ISAP member before and would like to become one, please review the criteria below and email research@rcn.org.uk by 16 March 2025. An invitation will then be issued from the abstract management system with further instructions.
The International Scientific Advisory Panel
International Scientific Advisory Panel (ISAP) members provide expert review of submitted conference abstracts.
Each submitted abstract is independently reviewed by at least three members of the ISAP against predetermined criteria. Based on reviewer recommendations, the conference scientific committee will develop a high-quality conference programme.
Committee members will be provided with detailed instructions to support the review process.
At the point of your registration on the abstract management system, you will be asked to indicate your areas of expertise using the topics/keywords provided to help us match submitted abstracts with your areas of expertise. This review process will be managed electronically.
Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order to nominate yourself for membership of the ISAP:
- You must have successfully submitted an abstract to an international conference or have had an article accepted in a peer review journal
- Have expertise relevant to nursing
- You must be available to review abstracts between 19 and 25 March 2024.
Early career researchers that do not yet meet criteria one are encouraged to apply for membership of the ISAP. Where appropriate, conference scientific committee members will provide mentorship during the review process.
Benefits
ISAP members will be acknowledged in the conference programme and on the official conference website in recognition of your contribution.
Reviewers also contribute to the academic development of the profession by providing constructive feedback to the authors.
Timescales
To allow you to make an informed choice as to whether you will be in a position to be an ISAP member for 2024, the following dates have been confirmed.
16 March 2025, midnight Deadline to sign up to be a reviewer Abstract submission deadline 18 March 2025 Abstracts will be allocated to members of the ISAP. You will be requested to review approximately 10-15 abstracts online 25 March 2024, midnight Deadline to complete reviews
Page last updated - 17/12/2024
