These are three words that encapsulate our experience at the 37th International Nursing Research Congress in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a few weeks ago

Over the course of our three unforgettable days together at Congress, we were honored to meet with more than 1,000 Sigma nurses and left with a renewed sense of how amazing our global community is.

Each attendee makes an incredible difference to the communities they serve, which has a cascade effect on the international nursing profession. We hope your time at Congress helped you see yourself as part of our global nursing community. Each connection you made, each friendship formed, and each session you attended places you amongst the world’s nurse leaders—no matter where you are in your nursing and research journey.  

We know that not everyone is able to attend international conferences, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take part in the good that comes from these experiences. 

We are truly energized by the stories we see coming out of Congress on social media. Search #INRC26 for your fellow Sigma Nurses’ takeaways from their time in Toronto. In these posts, you’ll see your colleagues sharing what they’ve learned, how their presentations went, and how conversations turned into lasting relationships. 

Among the many notable stories from Congress, Myrian Fan stands out. As a recipient of a Leadership Education Grant, she was also recognized as a Rising Star of Research and Scholarship and volunteered to moderate a session. 

This was her second time sharing her research at Congress. In Seattle last year, she met other Sigma Nurses who expanded how she thought about integrating her research into practice and how she could communicate about science through storytelling. She returned home to the Asia Region after presenting her early systematic review and meta-analyses and began implementing her theory. 

This year, her work includes the Rising Stars of Research and Scholarship poster titled Nurse-Led Inclusive Practice: A Randomized Controlled Trial Supporting Neurodiverse Children, as well as her oral presentation, Feasibility of a Nurse-Led Sailing Program to Enhance Resilience among Autistic School-Aged Children. Together, they highlight her leadership in developing and evaluating innovative nurse-led interventions. 

It brings us so much joy to see how research evolves from one year to the next, and we’re so excited to see what the future holds for Myrian.

Myrian’s story beautifully highlights how Congress helps unite Sigma Nursing members, showing the strength of our community. 

Before Congress officially began, dedicated Sigma Nursing members who are part of the Future of Membership and Chapters Task Force met to discuss how to incorporate early-career nurses in Sigma leadership in a meaningful way. This group brings Sigma Forward and Lead Together to life. They are actively looking for ways to foster community, increase engagement, and improve everyone’s Sigma Nursing experience. 

Myrian, and to all of our presenters and volunteers, thank you. Thank you for sharing your research, your time, and your ideas.

As we shift our focus from Congress, you may wonder what’s next. This month, we’ll be unveiling a fresh Sigma Nursing website and a refreshed visual identity. We are excited to share the new look and feel of Sigma Nursing with you—it’s one way we can show how we’re moving Sigma Forward. There are two more opportunities for you to gather with your fellow Sigma Nurses in October. On 17 October, in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA, you can attend the 9th Annual Sigma Region 15 Symposium for a day of community, networking, and learning. From 27-28 October in Depok, Indonesia, join the Sigma Asia Regional Conference held in conjunction with the 10th Biennial International Nursing Conference (BINC). 

If you'd like a closer look at how these decisions take shape, our International Board of Directors shares regular updates in Board Matters, offering a window into the discussions and priorities guiding Sigma Nursing's direction.

None of this happens without you—from presenting in Toronto or cheering on a colleague from home or looking forward to what’s next—you are the reason Sigma Nursing continues to grow and be an increasingly influential global community of nurse leaders.

As we turn the page from Congress to a new website and the work still ahead, we carry the same energy that met us in Toronto: connection, inspiration, and passion. That’s what it means to move Sigma Forward as we Lead Together. 

Thank you for all you do, in ways big and small, to strengthen nursing around the world.