Sigma Nursing Names Dr. Lisa M. Thompson as 2023 Episteme Laureate

Supported by the Baxter International Foundation, this prestigious award recognizes
Dr. Thompson’s research and interventions on household pollution from cooking fires.

The award will be conferred during the 47th Biennial Convention in San Antonio, Texas, USA

INDIANAPOLIS —The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) has named Dr. Lisa M. Thompson as the 2023 recipient of the Baxter International Foundation-supported Sigma Episteme Award. The award will be presented during Sigma’s 47th Biennial Convention, 11-15 November 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. Established in 1989, the Episteme Award is bestowed upon a person or team for highly significant research, acknowledging a major breakthrough in nursing knowledge development that impacts the underserved.

Sigma 2023 Episteme Laureate Dr. Lisa M. ThompsonLisa M. Thompson, PhD RN, FNP-BC, MS, FAAN
Dr. Thompson is a seminal researcher who has designed, implemented, and evaluated effective interventions that reduce personal exposures to household air pollution from cooking fires among populations burdened with health inequities related to poor access to health care. Dr. Thompson works at the intersection of environmental health and behavior/nursing science.

“Dr. Thompson is an outstanding scholar who has spent her career developing relationships, conducting groundbreaking research, and improving outcomes in developing countries; I’m certain many lives have been saved and improved thanks to her efforts,” said Sigma President Kenneth Dion, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, RCSI, FAAN. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and Sigma members worldwide, I congratulate Dr. Thompson on receiving the 2023 Episteme Award.”

“Addressing health inequities among underserved populations is an integral focus of the Baxter International Foundation’s work,” said Verónica Arroyave, executive director of the Baxter International Foundation and vice president of corporate responsibility and global philanthropy at Baxter. “We are honored to support Sigma in recognizing Dr. Thompson’s invaluable research and contributions to global environmental health.”

As Episteme Laureate, Dr. Thompson will be the keynote speaker for the second plenary session at Sigma’s 47th Biennial Convention, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, 12 November 2023. She will be presented with the Episteme Award during that plenary session.

Sigma’s biennial convention is the organization’s largest event and attracts nearly 2,500 nurse leaders from more than 50 countries. During the event, Sigma members and global leaders in nursing come together to celebrate Sigma’s 100-year heritage, build upon successes, and embrace the 2021-2023 organizational call to action: Be Bold. To view details or register for the event, visit SigmaNursing.org/Convention.

About Sigma

The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 100,000 active members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Learn more at www.SigmaNursing.org