INDIANAPOLIS—In a powerful new collaboration, Sigma and The DAISY Foundation (DAISY) are launching an award to honor nurse scientists who blend clinical excellence with compassionate leadership. The inaugural Nurse Scientist Leadership Award will be presented in 2026.
Nurse scientists contribute significantly to the healthcare field—leading studies, publishing influential research, and shaping the future of care. The Nurse Scientist Leadership Award will recognize a nurse who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a commitment to compassionate care, and meaningful research contributions. Nominations will open 17 July 2025 and close on 11 December 2025. The first recipient will be honored at Sigma’s 37th International Nursing Research Congress in Toronto, Canada, in July 2026.
“Partnering with The DAISY Foundation is a natural fit for Sigma, as we both share a deep commitment to recognizing the critical role nurses play in healthcare,” said Sigma CEO Luke Davis, MEd, CAE. “This award allows us to honor nurse scientists who not only advance the science of nursing but also lead with compassion, experience, and a dedication to mentoring the next generation.”
The DAISY Foundation’s CEO Deb Zimmermann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Sigma on the creation of the DAISY Award for Nurse Scientists. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to honoring the impact of nursing research and celebrating nurse scientists whose work advances compassionate care and transforms health outcomes.”
For detailed information about criteria and important dates, click here.
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 nurses transforming global healthcare.
Learn more at SigmaNursing.org.