Sigma/DAISY Nurse Scientist Leadership Award

Eligibility

Recipient must be a licensed, registered nurse in good standing with a minimum of five years in clinical practice and research.

Current Sigma Board of Directors, Sigma elected international committee members, Sigma staff, Sigma consultants and contracted staff, and members of the judging committee are not eligible to receive this award, serve as nominators, or write letters of support. Members of appointed committees may participate in the award process. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

Criteria

1. Research Contributions
2. 1. Original Research and Scholarly Leadership: Has led, significantly contributed to, or mentored others in the conduct of original research that improves nursing practice, patient outcomes, or healthcare systems. Recognizes leadership by fostering research capacity among junior investigators.
   2. Dissemination: Has a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, scholarly presentations, funded research projects, or has played a key role in mentoring and supporting others in achieving these outcomes.
   3. Translation of Research into Practice: Demonstrates the successful implementation of research findings into clinical settings or policies. Contributes to evidence-based innovations that improve patient and system-level outcomes, either directly or through leadership and mentorship.
2. Compassionate Care Focus
3. 1. Research Scope: Advances focus on compassionate care, including identifying, observing, and measuring its delivery to patients, families, or in systems. This may also include research on the nursing workforce that fosters environments where compassionate care can thrive.
   2. Cultural Sensitivity: Integrates cultural sensitivity and respect across care, workforce development, and/or research.
   3. Advocacy: Advocates for a compassionate, equitable care environment and workplace cultures for vulnerable or underserved populations through science, leadership, and service.
3. Leadership
4. 1. Role Model: Championsthe integration of research, education, and compassionate care in decision-making and practice.
   2. Mentor: Fosters a culture of research literacy and continuous improvement through mentoring other nurses and healthcare professionals.
   3. Interprofessional: Builds meaningful partnerships across disciplines to expand the reach and relevance of nursing science.

Qualified judging panels representing strong talent and expertise are appointed.

View the Criteria PDF.

Submissions Requirements

Supporting documents required below must address the criteria. All materials must be submitted in English. Entries that do not meet the criteria and requirements below will be disqualified. A complete online nomination consists of:

• Online entry form.
• Supporting narrative, from the nominator:
• • Using the criteria as subheadings, clearly stating overall area of expertise and sustained impact (not to exceed two pages)
• Two letters of support from diverse sources supporting the criteria (interprofessional colleague, supervisor, coworker, etc., excluding nominator; not to exceed two pages)
• Nominee’s curriculum vitae
• Letter of Acceptance - Statement from the nominee agreeing to attend Sigma’s International Nursing Research Congress if selected • Supporting documentation as further evidence of the nominee’s contribution as outlined in the criteria above (not to exceed five pages)

Award Presentation

The award recipient will be recognized at Sigma’s International Nursing Research Congress and will conduct a special session about their work. The DAISY Foundation will provide the awardee with a travel stipend to attend Congress, and Sigma will provide a one-day complimentary registration for the award and special session presentations.

See Sigma/DAISY Nurse Scientist Leadership Award Recipient

Contact Information

For further information, contact Laura Belt at laurab@sigmanursing.org.