Nursing Research Vital to the Future of Health Care, RCN Scotland Tells International Conference
Glasgow is hosting nursing leaders, researchers and practitioners from across the globe this week as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) shines a spotlight on the life-changing impact of nursing research.
Welcoming delegates to the RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2026, Colin Poolman, Executive Director of RCN Scotland, highlighted the vital role nursing research plays in improving patient outcomes, shaping health policy and tackling the challenges facing modern health and care services.
Addressing the delegates, Colin Poolman said:
“Research is not an optional extra for nursing but a fundamental part of delivering safe, effective and person-centred care.
“Nurses are innovators, creative thinkers and problem solvers. Every day they improve services to achieve better outcomes for patients and service users. When nurses are supported to undertake research, the benefits are clear, not only for patients but for health services as a whole.”
With health and care systems under increasing pressure, RCN Scotland is calling for greater investment in nursing research, including funding, infrastructure, protected time and clear career pathways for nurses who wish to develop as clinical academics.
Colin added:
“The challenge is not proving the impact of nursing research. The challenge is creating a culture where research is embedded in practice and where nursing staff have the support they need to participate in and lead research.
“We only have to look at winners of our Inspiring Excellence Award to see the value of nursing research. Daisy Sandeman’s research-informed work helped reduce delirium rates from 40% to 18%, while Kath Williamson’s pioneering research has improved care for people living with severe obesity.
“These examples show that nursing research is not confined to universities or specialist centres. It happens wherever nurses ask questions, challenge assumptions and strive to find better ways of delivering care.”
The conference coincides with the opening of nominations for the RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2027.
Now in their fifth year, the awards celebrate the individuals and teams transforming care, driving innovation and making a lasting difference across Scotland’s health and care services.
Launching this year’s awards, Julie Ross, Chair of the RCN Scotland Board, said:
“Our awards offer a valuable opportunity to celebrate the nursing profession and the difference nursing staff make every day.
“We are looking for nominations from across health and care services, from hospitals to care homes. We know there are nurses and nursing support workers are demonstrating the innovation and drive to improve patient care that has been highlighted at this week’s conference. This deserves to be celebrated and our Awards help showcase the nursing excellence we have here in Scotland.”
Winners will be revealed at a ceremony in the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland in April 2027. Nominations close on 20 November 2026.
