Updates

Donations funded this cross-country collaboration

2025 Dr. Patricia E. Thompson Global Nursing Research Grant recipients

Natalia Elizabeth da Costa Ornai Emily Bowden, MPH, BSN, of Menzies School of Health Research, is the principal investigator of the research project titled Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) informed ultrasonography (US) to identify risk factors in pregnancy: a feasibility study in Metinaro, Timor-Leste. Emily and co-investigator Natalia Elizabeth de Costa Ornai’s study will assess the feasibility of introducing BabyChecker, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled ultrasound (US) device, into antenatal care services at Metinaro Community Health Centre (CHC) in Timor-Leste. It will evaluate BabyChecker’s ability to support accurate gestational age estimation and identify conditions such as placenta praevia, malpresentation, and multiple gestation in a low-resource setting.

“This project makes an original contribution to nursing and healthcare by examining the real-world integration of a novel, low-cost, AI-driven US solution operated by non-expert staff. It also offers insights into the use of emerging technologies to strengthen primary care services, a critical area in global health nursing and midwifery,” said Emily.

Connecting with the Foundation at Sigma events

Join us at convention

Join us for Sigma's largest event, featuring outstanding plenary speakers, networking opportunities, over 800 oral and poster presentations, and the opportunity to travel to our headquarters city. With convention back in Indianapolis, the Raffle for Research returns. Be sure to visit the Foundation while you’re at convention to enter for a chance to win jewelry from past presidents, pick up your tickets for the Fun-Raiser for Research Trivia Night, and take a picture with your name on the President’s Circle donor wall.

Add the Fun-Raiser for Research Trivia Night to your 48th Biennial Convention Registration

Purchase tickets for an evening of trivia and fun as we raise money to support research grants that advance nursing science around the world. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics and have a great time! Create a team of six from your chapter, region, or friends. This event sold out in 2023, so be sure to grab your ticket when registering for Sigma’s 48th Biennial Convention.

Already registered? Reach out to events@sigmanursing.org to add a ticket now!

2025 Leadership Education Grant recipients at congress with President Sandra Bibb and CEO Luke Davis.

Leadership Education Grant recipients came together at congress

Leadership education grants help nurses attend Sigma conferences to disseminate their work and expand their professional network. This year, 15 nurses received assistance to attend the 36th International Nursing Research Congress.

Jenna Poraharju, MHSc, RN, of Finland, had this to say of the experience, "Participating in the Sigma conference for the first time was an invaluable experience. The event offered a rich platform to engage with experts and peers, exposing me to the latest research trends and diverse perspectives. The supportive and inclusive atmosphere fostered open dialogue and reflection, significantly enhancing my growth and confidence as an early-stage researcher focusing on social prescribing in patient education. Feeling welcomed and encouraged throughout the conference reassured me that I am progressing in the right direction, even at this early stage of my doctoral journey."

Represent

At the heart of Represent, the 2023–2025 Organizational Call to Action, lies a compelling framework built on three pillars: Reflect, Respect, and Respond.

The call to respond is a direct challenge to take meaningful action in two critical areas: ensure the sustainability and growth of our organization by responding to the financial barriers that prevent new inductees from joining Sigma and to the evolving demands of our profession by championing nursing research, which forms the foundation of evidence-based practice and drives innovation in patient care. Through generous contributions to the leadership fund, we can provide membership subsidies that open doors for the next generation of nursing leaders. Gifts to the research fund provide grants for nurses worldwide.

As a difference maker, you understand how generosity advances evidence-based practice through research grants, connects nurses globally through membership subsidies, develops tomorrow's healthcare leaders through leadership education grants, and elevates nursing excellence worldwide. Your investment creates ripple effects throughout the healthcare community, where every nurse can thrive and transform healthcare around the globe.

Did you know?

Make two or more donations in the biennium to be celebrated in Sandra Bibb’s President’s Circle and on the donor wall at Sigma's 48th Biennial Convention.

Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy recipient spotlight: Jenny Weiss

The Edith Anderson Membership Subsidy underwrites up to 75% of the annual Sigma membership fees of those requiring financial assistance.

"I am beyond excited to continue exploring the educational resources and professional networking opportunities offered by Sigma throughout my education and once I join the nursing profession. This support has made it easier to stay informed, feel connected to the nursing community, and continue building the foundation for a successful career in healthcare. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and thank you for your generosity."

Invest in nurses like Jenny! Donations to the Foundation's leadership fund help inductees or members accept or retain their Sigma membership. Donate today »

Advocating for nurses globally

Supported by contributions to the future fund, several of Sigma's United Nations Youth Representatives and Liaisons have had the opportunity to represent nursing by presenting statements at United Nations forums and events. Our UN team members have presented at a total of 10 events so far this year with a total reach of 1400 people.

Watch some of their statements »
Learn more about Sigma's UN representatives' activities »

“We bring frontline insight that can shape more inclusive and effective health policies. When nurses show up, we carry not just our own stories, but those of our patients, communities, and colleagues.”

—Aimée Giselle Horcasitas-Tovar, Sigma United Nations Youth Representative

Donate today!