RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2025
Nursing Research: Transforming Global Health in a Changing World
08 Sep 2025 - 10 Sep
Choose event information:
**Call for abstracts is now closed**
Nursing Research: Transforming Global Health in a Changing World
Translational research based on best available evidence to improve care is core business for Nurses. This conference will explore the pivotal role of nursing research in addressing pressing health challenges. As global health dynamics evolve due to emerging diseases, climate change, and shifting demographics, this conference will highlight how innovative research can drive equitable, evidence-based care.
Bringing together nursing leaders, researchers, and practitioners, the conference will foster collaboration to advance healthcare solutions, strengthen resilience, and shape the future of global health in an ever-changing landscape.
The 2025 RCN International Nursing Research Conference will also showcase research that demonstrates strong methodological expertise and team working leading to improved clinical and applied health, public, social and community health and/or acute care settings. We will celebrate research that uses innovative designs to facilitate inclusion of all stakeholders.
Whilst the annual RCN International Nursing Research Conference focuses on celebrating nursing research, we are keen to welcome all health and social care professionals.
The programme will also showcase:
- Nursing research from all fields and specialities that aim to improve health and social care outcomes in a range of settings.
- Research using inclusive methods and that celebrate diversity
- Embedding of research into nursing roles to apply best evidence, improve clinical practice and enhance impact
- Inclusive patient and public involvement
- Trans-disciplinary research and researchers.
The programme will be available in May.
2025 Clinical Research Nursing
We are delighted that following on from the successes of last year, the RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2025 will include a day’s programme specifically for Clinical Research Nursing, open to all delegates. This will support learning and celebrate the work of nurses who lead, design and deliver research in clinical settings.
Words from the 2025 Conference Chair, Professor Jane Coad
“The RCN Research Forum is delighted to be working alongside the following universities in Southwest England to bring this year’s International Nursing Research Conference to Exeter:
- Plymouth Marjon University
- University of Exeter
- University of Plymouth
- University of the West of England
We are so looking forward to meeting you in Exeter in 2025 to hear about your transformative research and share the future possibilities for future research. We will have a full and comprehensive programme which will enable opportunities to present, discuss and debate impactful research, but also network with friends – old and new. We do hope you can join us in September for what promises to be an insightful and informative three days."
Please note. All presenters are required to register to attend the conference in person to present.
Target audience
The conference is open to anyone interested in nursing and research. It will be of interest to nurses, and colleagues in related disciplines, involved in the development and use of knowledge that impacts on nursing practice or the context in which nurses’ practice.
#RCNresearch25
For event queries please contact:
rcnevents@rcn.org.uk
+44 (0)20 7647 3578
The Forum Building - University of Exeter
Stocker Road
Exeter
EX4 4PY
View the provisional
We are delighted to announce the keynote speaker lineup for 2025's conference.
Day 1
Sophie Montagne
Ice Maiden and motivational speaker
Ice Maidens Sandy Hennis & Sophie Montagne speak of their experiences as part of the first female team to ski across Antarctica using muscle power alone. In 2018 they were two of the six Ice Maidens who covered 1,704km in 2 months, setting three world records. They can present as a pair or individually, and tell their story with honesty, humour and humility, aiming to inspire more than impress.
Ice Maidens Sandy Hennis & Sophie Montagne specialise in speeches about Teamwork and Resilience. The following themes are emphasised within the context of life on the coldest, highest and most inhospitable continent on earth. They share their expertise in teamwork, mental resilience, unity of purpose, embracing conflict, getting to know and knowing how to motivate your team. Their client’s include Bank of America Merrill Lynch, AECOM, Airbus, Arup, Trowers & Hamlins, Cannacord and The Institute of Directors.
Ice Maidens Sandy Hennis & Sophie Montagne were part of the first female team to ski coast-to-coast across Antarctica using muscle power alone. The team of six women covered 1,704km, endured temperatures of -56C and arrived 14 days earlier than planned, setting three new world records.
But the Ice Maidens expedition wasn’t about racing or records, it wasn’t about standing at the South Pole or achieving a lifelong dream – it was all about the team. Supporting each other through Antarctic storms, debilitating sickness, exhaustion and the ever-present threat of crevasses, those six women relied 100% upon each other. It wasn’t about just a team, it was about the whole team getting to the finish.
Sandy and Sophie use their experiences in Antarctica to help bring new perspectives to the corporate sector. Combining Sandy’s military expertise with Sophie’s 10 years’ experience in the corporate world, they have analysed each lesson learned on their adventures, making it relevant to everyday lives both at work and at home. They pinpoint current business challenges and offer solutions, presented in the context of their time in Antarctica, on expeditions and on military operations.
Day 2
Prof. G.J Melendez-Torres
Professor of Clinical and Social Epidemiology, University of Exeter
Prof G.J. Melendez-Torres is Professor of Clinical and Social Epidemiology at the University of Exeter, where he also is an NIHR Senior Investigator and holds the cities RISE Research Chair in Public Mental Health.
A registered nurse, his research focuses on child and adolescent health and intimate partner violence, as well as health technology assessment and its underpinning methods.
G.J. is Associate Dean for Researcher Inclusion of the NIHR Academy, and Associate Director for Involvement and Engagement of the NIHR School for Public Health Research. He is also an elected fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, of the Academy of Social Sciences, and of the Faculty of Public Health, and an Advance HE National Teaching Fellow.
Day 3
Details to be announced in May.
STRICT DEADLINE FOR BOOKING THE PRESENTER RATE IS FRIDAY 30 JUNE 2025.
Please note, presenter bookings after this date will not be eligible for discount and are at risk of withdrawal.
Presenter rates cannot be booked online. To book the presenter rate and pay by credit/debit card please contact RCN Event Registrations on 02920 546460. Please have your abstract reference number to hand. Alternatively, we can invoice your employer, please complete the invoice process below.
International delegates
- All international delegates attending this event are entitled to the RCN member rate.
- International student nurses (pre-registration only) are also eligible for a 40% discount on the RCN member rate.
- Refer to discount section for exclusions and conditions*.
Not an RCN member? Join today to qualify for preferential conference fees.
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Member type |
Conference fees |
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Presenter rates |
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(available until 30 June 2025) |
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Fee |
VAT |
Total |
Fee |
VAT |
Total |
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Member (1 day fee) |
£ 245.00 |
£ 49.00 |
£ 294.00 |
£ 212.50 |
£ 42.50 |
£ 255.00 |
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Non-member (1 day fee ) |
£ 316.00 |
£ 63.20 |
£ 379.20 |
£ 277.00 |
£ 55.40 |
£ 332.40 |
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Member (2 day fee ) |
£ 320.00 |
£ 64.00 |
£ 384.00 |
£ 285.00 |
£ 57.00 |
£ 342.00 |
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Non-member (2 day fee) |
£ 413.00 |
£ 82.60 |
£ 495.60 |
£ 369.00 |
£ 73.80 |
£ 442.80 |
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Member (3 day fee) |
£ 395.00 |
£ 79.00 |
£ 474.00 |
£ 335.75 |
£ 67.15 |
£ 402.90 |
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Non- member (3 day fee) |
£ 510.00 |
£ 102.00 |
£ 612.00 |
£ 433.50 |
£ 86.70 |
£ 520.20 |
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Discounted rates |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (1 day / 40% discount) |
£75.00 |
£15.00 |
£90.00 |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (2 day / 40% discount) |
£150.00 |
£30.00 |
£180.00 |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (3 day / 40% discount) |
£225.00 |
£45.00 |
£270.00 |
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Member: RCN representatives, forum steering committee (1 day / 25% discount) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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Member: RCN representatives, forum steering committee (2 day / 25% discount) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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Member: RCN representatives, forum steering committee (3 day / 25% discount) |
£296.25 |
£59.25 |
£355.50 |
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Conditions and exclusions |
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1. Discounts apply to conference fees only and are not available on the presenter rate. |
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2. 10% group discount is applicable on 3 or more conference places and will only be applied to places where the maximum number of conference days have been booked ie. three day attendance. |
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3. Discount offers cannot be combined. Only one discount can be used for each booking whether it is an individual or group booking. |
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4. Member: Pre-reg student, retired, health practitioner (40% discount) – this discount is strictly for RCN members Only students that are enrolled in a pre-registration nursing programme will qualify for a 40% discount.The 40% discount is not available to post graduate students. |
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5. The RCN representative 25% discount is only available on the maximum number of conference days that can be booked |
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6. Maximum of 2 presenter rate places for any concurrent, poster and ViPER |
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7. 1 presenter rate per paper for any symposia – up to a maximum of 5 papers |
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8. Sharing of a multi-day conference pass between two or more delegates is not permitted. Only delegates that have registered their details through the RCN’s events registration system will be granted access. |
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9. The international delegate rate applies only to individuals that are living and travelling from outside of the UK. |
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Please note: discounts cannot be accumulated or redeemed when booking online. Please contact RCN Events Registration to book a discounted place. |
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Catering during the conference programme and conference materials are provided within the conference fee. Travel, accommodation and catering outside of the conference programme are not included in the conference fee.
To make a booking
Online bookings are the easiest and fastest way to book 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bookings can also be made by phone with payment by credit card/Maestro, by calling +44 (0) 2920 546460. Lines are open from 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Invoice payment
To pay by invoice you must send all of the below to rcndeventsregistration@rcn.org.uk
- A copy of the official Purchase Order document from your organisation or company, addressed to supplier: ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥, 20 Cavendish Square, London. W1G 0RN. We are unable to process your order without it, requisition orders are not accepted.
- Your Finance department/accounts payable contact email address to receive an electronic copy of the invoice from us.
- A completed RCN Events Booking Form for each delegate in the booking
Important - Please don’t send us booking forms without pdf copies of POs or vice versa, we will not be able to complete your booking.
Once the invoice has been raised, you will then receive confirmation of your delegate booking on the event requested. Invoices are to be paid within 30 days of the invoice being issued.
We always endeavour to process your booking as quickly as possible, however, this process can sometimes take up to 10 working days.
So that we can process your booking quickly, please send all the booking forms and the Purchase Order to us together on the same email.
Group bookings - please send all the completed booking forms and the Purchase Order to us, together on the same email.
Accommodation is available at The University of Exeter - Streatham campus, in the halls of residence on a bed and breakfast basis. Rooms are ensuite and include a mini fridge and safe. Unfortunately, televisions are not provided. The rooms are located a 500m walk from the conference venue (see map below).
These rooms are priced very competitively at £79.95 B&B per night.
Book via
To redeem the discounted rate please enter PC25 as the promotion code.
Delegates are also welcome to book at alternative accommodation via their preferred platforms.
Presenter Guidance
All presenters must be booked on by 30 June otherwise your abstract is at risk of withdrawal.
Important. Presenter rate is only available until 30 June, there after standard fees will apply.
You can login into your to view reviewer comments, make edits to your abstract submission and upload your presentation.
Programme slot
Alterations may be made to the programme affecting the time of sessions prior to the conference. To keep up-to-date with any developments affecting the conference programme, we suggest checking the conference website regularly.
• Concurrent oral (25 minutes)
Concurrent papers are presented orally. Concurrent sessions are 25 minutes in duration. Each presenter is allocated a maximum of 20 minutes to speak followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion.
Download oral presenter guidance.
• Symposia (60 – 90 minutes)
A symposium is an oral presentation of between three and five papers with a shared focus. The duration of a symposium is normally 60 or 90 minutes depending on the number of papers.
• Posters (one day)
Exhibited on one day of the conference, posters are visual displays of material. Poster displays reach a wide audience and are suited to the presentation of factual data, such as project design or findings. Posters should be visually stimulating in design and convey clear aims and outcomes. Poster presenters participate in a facilitated, interactive poster tour during the lunch break, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with delegates.
Download poster presenter guidance.
• ViPER (25 minutes)
A ViPER is an evaluation of Visual Presentation with Expert Review. This method involves a short oral presentation of a poster with no more than 3 presentation slides, followed by expert commentary and facilitated group discussion and debate. ViPERs support audience interactivity and provide an increased opportunity for active engagement in discussion.
Download ViPER presenter guidance.
• Flash talk
Flash talks are strictly timed 5-minute presentations delivered in main plenary session (i.e. to whole conference) and provide the opportunity for your findings to reach a large number of delegates but in a concise form. Following fellow flash talk presentations there will the opportunity for a 10 minute Q&A.
Download flash talk presenter guidance.
If you have any queries which aren’t answered by the above guidelines please contact research@rcn.org.uk
Terms and conditions
Prior to preparing and delivering your presentation, we strongly advise that you read the RCN’s conference terms and conditions.
Are you engaged in research with relevance to contemporary nursing or social care?
Does your research:
- address current issues in nursing and demonstrate inclusivity
- demonstrate innovative methodology
- debate developments in research methods,
- demonstrate best practice in research management and research policy
The RCN International Nursing Research Conference is recognised as a leading event for healthcare professionals and academics involved or interested in research relevant to nursing. By submitting and presenting an abstract at the International Nursing Research Conference you will benefit from:
- showcasing your work and your employer on an international platform
- debating the challenges at the heart of future nursing practice
- having your research recognised by your peers and receiving a constructive review
- sharing knowledge and innovation in research methods, management and policy
- the stimulation of sharing innovative methodological papers
You can be confident that papers are reviewed with rigour and the programme designed to create a high-quality forum in which to reflect on work, participate in networking events and discuss innovation in research.
Who can present?
If you are passionate about the future of nursing related research, how it can influence the resolution of future nursing challenges or advance nursing practice we want to hear from you!
We welcome national and international submissions from healthcare educators working in the academic, clinical and professional setting. First time or experienced presenters are welcome to submit including Students who wish to pursue a career in nursing education or research. The conference is open to RCN members and non-members.
Testimonials from previous presenters:
“I have been attending the RCN International Research Conference for over 30 years, initially as a research assistant in 1991! It is my favourite conference of the year and my ‘go to’ place to share my research and catch up with all things nursing research as well as see and network with old and new colleagues, both national and international. There is always something stimulating, and I really enjoy the debate and discussion, the social sessions and the opportunity to keep up to date on new research. I will be back!”
Jill Maben PhD, RN, Professor of Health Services Research and Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey
“I have attended the RCN research conference to present for the last few years. It is great to be at a conference and network with other nurses who lead, use, deliver and participate in research. The conference has a relaxed atmosphere and is a friendly environment whether you are a first time presenter or a more seasoned pro. Learning about research that is being conducted internationally, that has the potential to transform care and improve patient outcomes, can be really inspiring and offer a great opportunity to think about how this can be translated into the clinical environment or lead to further research. This year’s programme saw for the first time, nurse leaders from across the four countries, coming together and making a commitment to nurse led research. This was an exciting opportunity that stimulated debate and gave those in attendance opportunity to influence the national agenda.”
Louise Bramley, Nottingham University/Nottingham University Trust, UK
Is this conference for me?
Attending this conference provides a quality assured opportunity to improve nursing practice, learn, network, and discuss and debate the challenges facing the future nursing workforce.
It will be of particular interest to all current and aspiring nurses, and colleagues in related disciplines, involved in the development and use of knowledge that impacts on nursing practice or the context in which nurses’ practice.
You can attend this conference as a presenting or as a non-presenting delegate. The conference provides the opportunity to:
- Hear how research is addressing contemporary nursing issues from inspirational keynote speakers
- Share and learn about cutting edge innovation in research methods, policy and management
- Showcase your research and your employer on an international stage
- Engage in supportive and constructive critical debate
- Discuss and debate the impact of research on health and social care policy and nursing practice
- Consider how you can use research findings to inform yours and colleagues’ nursing practice
- Network with like-minded colleagues – from those starting out in their careers through to distinguished keynote speakers
- Build new alliances and make new contacts
- Judge poster presentations – every vote counts
- Participate in a lively social programme
- Evaluate the event and contribute to future conference developments
- Accrue up to 27 hours of continuing professional development - for UK nurses CPD counts towards your revalidation.
Delegates can be confident that papers are reviewed with rigour and the programme is designed to create a high-quality forum in which to reflect on work, participate in networking events and discuss innovation in research.
Need a helping hand with securing time off or funding to attend? Please download these helpful hints and tips. Along with a template letter, to aid justification of attendance to your employer.
Ten subsidised delegate places available!
We are delighted to be offering ten free delegate places for the International Nursing Research Conference 2025! These have been subsidised by the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ to offer the opportunity for nurses, midwives, nursing support workers, students and people in patient and public involvement and engagement roles - particularly those who would not otherwise have the opportunity – to participate fully with international experts, research and contemporary issues within nursing.
These funded places are open to all nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students as well as peer support workers and those engaged in research through patient and public inclusion and engagement (PPIE). Applicants will be expected to engage with the full conference programme taking place between 8-10 September and will be required to confirm their commitment to full attendance as part of the application process.
We would be particularly interested in receiving applications from:
- Professionals with protected characteristics
- Students (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Early career researchers (within 5 years of being awarded a PhD)
- Early career professionals (within 3 years of graduating from health-related degree)
- People with lived experience engaged and/or involved in research through patient and public inclusion and engagement (PPIE) roles
- People receiving and/or would be eligible to receive hardship funds
- People from low and middle income countries (LMICs) as outlined by
FAQs
• How will the INRC 2025 subsidised delegate places be awarded?
The INRC 2025 subsidised places will be awarded through an open application process. All applications meeting the eligibility criteria will be entered into a prize draw.
• How many subsidised places are awarded each year?
We have ten awards available for the 2025 International Nursing Research Conference
• How do I apply?
Please apply using the online INRC 2025 .
• When is the deadline for submitting applications?
The deadline for submitting applications will be Tuesday, 6 May at 5pm.
• Am I eligible to apply?
Applications are welcome from nurses, midwives, nursing support workers, students and people with lived experience in patient and public inclusion and engagement (PPIE) roles. Applicants will be expected to engage with the full conference programme taking place between 8-10 September and will be required to confirm their commitment to full attendance as part of the application process.
You do not need to be a member of the RCN to apply, although we do encourage RCN membership for access to a range of research and education learning resources, information and to be kept up to date with news and events. Further information on becoming a member of the RCN can be found at Join the RCN | Membership | ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥
• What do the awards cover?
Your place will only cover full delegate fees. This includes access to the full International Nursing Research Conference 2025 programme taking place between 8-10 September 2025. This will include lunch and refreshments during the hours of the conference. However, the award will not cover delegate travel, accommodation, meal or other costs associated with attendance.
To be in with a chance of being awarded a subsidised place, please complete the
2025 Early Career Researcher Opportunity
Early career research testimonial
“I was just entering the final year of my PhD when I decided to apply for the early career researcher (ECR) position on the Scientific Committee for the 2022 RCN International Nursing Research Conference. I was delighted to be accepted and invited to join the committee meeting online, before attending the conference in Cardiff.
I was nervous about meeting everyone online for the first time but was made to feel enormously welcome by the committee. The meeting consisted primarily of reviewing abstracts and agreeing decisions about the structure of the conference. The committee were very supportive throughout, and I left feeling that my contribution was valued.
The two days in Cardiff were a great opportunity to learn about how everything works behind-the-scenes at an academic conference, and I was glad to get the opportunity to chair a session and to host the ECR networking event. Despite these responsibilities, I still had plenty of time to present my own research and attend several interesting and inspiring presentations. Being the ECR representative meant that over the two days I was able to meet many other ECRs and I learned a great deal about what my peers at other universities are doing.
I’ve always enjoyed the RCN research conference, but this year I got so much more from it simply because I applied for this position. For any ECR who wants to learn about how conferences work, this is a great way to do it as part of a fantastically welcoming and supportive team. Make sure you apply!”
Chris McParland, 2022 Early Career Researcher
This conference and exhibition is an unrivalled opportunity for you to connect directly with nurse researchers and clinical research nurses from across the UK, working at a range of levels, in the universities, NHS, public or independent and voluntary sectors.
There are a number of ways you can get involved, from networking to raise your profile to tailored commercial packages to help achieve specific objectives. Please contact the exhibitions team on +44 (0)20 7647 3959 or email exhibitions@rcn.org.uk.
If you have any queries regarding the conference or call for abstract process, please contact the Events Team via:
Email: Research@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)2076473577
If your query relates to a booking please contact the Registration Team directly:
Email: eventsreg@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)29 2054 6460
Page last updated - 30/04/2025
