Three early-career researchers to be recognized at the 37th International Nursing Research Congress
INDIANAPOLIS — The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) has awarded the 2026 Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Award to three up-and-coming nurses. The award recognizes Sigma nurses who earned a master’s or doctoral
degree between 1 December 2020 and 1 December 2025 and whose research has already had an impact locally, nationally, or internationally. Honorees also disseminate their research in professional publications, receive organizational support, and
influence policy, practice, education, leadership, research, and/or the use of evidence.
Sigma President Liz Westcott, DCM, MSc, DipMan, RGN, FFNMRCSI, added, “I am delighted to welcome the three new Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholars this year to join the ranks of our previous honorees. They embody advancing our voice, value, and impact
as trusted experts and innovators in nursing and healthcare. The future is bright because of them.”
With a research focus on cognitive function and neuropsychological assessment across diverse populations, Mu-Hsing Ho, PhD, MSc, BSc, RN, has not only demonstrated scholarly rigor but also a commitment to disseminating his research widely with more than
139 peer-reviewed publications. He is an Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong.
Since completing her PhD in 2022, Oluwabunmi Ogungebe, PhD, MPH, RN, has secured over US $2.5 million in funding. Her research program addresses evidence gaps in cardiovascular disease prevention by developing precision lifestyle interventions, leveraging
emerging technologies and AI, advancing food-as-medicine, addressing social drivers of health, and promoting community-centered approaches to include underrepresented populations in research. She is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University
School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Muhammad Chutiyami, PhD, RN, from the University of Technology Sydney, focuses on community-engaged health, population health, and health equity. His translational research benefits underserved communities locally and internationally. He values academic
leadership and capacity-building, supervising his first doctoral candidate and leading a university mentoring program for research, leadership, and teaching scholarship. He also mentors clinical nurses at Prince of Wales Hospital to enhance their
research skills and application.
These three outstanding Sigma members from the Asia, North America, and Oceania Regions have, as early-career nurse researchers, demonstrated a dedication to high-quality scholarship that has already influenced the nursing profession. This year’s
awards are sponsored by Herff Jones.
“Congratulations to the 2026 Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar award recipients,” said Sigma Chief Executive Officer Lucas M. Davis, MEd, CAE. “As early-career nurse researchers/scholars, it is inspiring and motivating to see your commitment
and dedication. I am eager to observe your ongoing contributions to the field.”
Recipients will be honored at Sigma’s 37th International Nursing Research Congress in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from 16-18 July.
Established in 2015, the Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar award recognizes nurse researchers whose early career research and scholarship have influenced the nursing profession. To learn more or to register for the 37th International Nursing Research
Congress, visit SigmaNursing.org/Congress.
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About Sigma Nursing
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 SigmaNursing.org.