RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2026
Research Without Boundaries: Innovation, Collaboration and Global Impact
15 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep
Choose event information:
Call for abstracts now open!
Research Without Boundaries: Innovation, Collaboration and Global Impact
The 2026 RCN International Nursing Research Conference will celebrate the potential of nursing research to advance health across communities, systems and global contexts. As healthcare becomes increasingly interconnected and shaped by technological advances, migration, sociopolitical change and new models of care, the conference will highlight how research drives innovation, strengthens collaboration, and delivers meaningful impact.
The programme will showcase:
- research that transcends traditional boundaries, including cross-sector and cross-disciplinary studies
- innovative methodologies and emerging technologies, highlighting approaches such as digital health, artificial intelligence, co-design, and creative methods
- collaborative research that brings together clinicians, academics, communities, and global partners to accelerate discovery, enhance implementation and widen reach.
- meaningful involvement of patients, the public and communities in all stages of research
2026 Clinical Research Nursing
In 2026, we are pleased to build on last years success and continue our commitment to Clinical Research Nursing with a full day of CRN-focused content at the RCN International Nursing Research Conference. This dedicated programme will welcome all delegates and will provide an opportunity to deepen knowledge, share developments and recognise the vital contributions of nurses engaged in research delivery and leadership.
Words from the 2026 Conference Chair, Dr Gordon Hill
‘As Conference Chair, I am delighted to welcome you to Glasgow in 2026 as we explore our theme: Research Without Boundaries: Innovation, Collaboration and Global Impact. This theme reflects our commitment to showcasing research that is ambitious, creative and influential at a global level. The conference aims to stimulate discussion, inspire new partnerships and celebrate the achievements of our vibrant research community. I very much hope you will be part of this exciting gathering.’
Are you engaged in nursing research? We want to hear from you!
If you are passionate about nursing research, how it can influence the resolution of future nursing challenges or advance nursing practice we want to hear from you!
Visit our call for abstracts page for guidance on how to submit an abstract. Please note, this is an in-person conference. If your abstract is accepted, all presenters will be expected to register to present in person.
Hear from our previous attendees:
‘Networking opportunities were great and conversations post event have already taken place.’
‘Keynote speakers were excellent and inspiring. Got some great ideas for developing in my own Trust.’
‘The positive energy and friendly atmosphere encouraged me to ask questions and engage.’
#RCNresearch26
Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC)
Strathclyde University
99 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1RD
Reception Tel: +44 (0) 141 444 7000 Website: Strathclyde University TIC website
The Technology and Innovation Centre is one of a new generation of university based, dedicated conference facilities. Award winning, the building reflects Strathclyde’s national position within the fields of advancing technology and innovation – an appropriate host for the 2026 RCN International Nursing Research Conference.
Getting to the venue
By Train
The closest railway stations are:
National Rail Services
- Queen Street (0.4 miles)
- Glasgow Central (0.9 miles)
Local Services
- High Street (0.1 miles)
- Queen Street (0.4 miles)
- Argyle Street (0.6 miles)
- Glasgow Central (0.9 miles)
- Buchanan Street Underground is an 8-minute walk
Bus
- Buchanan Bus Station is 0.6 miles away, with frequent services to Glasgow International Airport.
- A direct bus connection to Glasgow International Airport is also available from North Hanover St, outside Queen St Station, every 15 minutes. This is about an 8-minute walk away from the TIC and the single fare is approximately £10.00. Depending on traffic, the journey time is around 20 to 30 minutes.
Local Airport
The nearest major airport is Glasgow International Airport.
By Car
Low Emission Zone
From 1 June 2023, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force in Glasgow. All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. There are some exemptions. Please visit Glasgow City Council’s webpage for full details.
Sat Nav: G1 1RD (Main entrance, Technology & Innovation Centre)
Local Car Parks and discount availability
- Discounted parking is available nearby – the 24hr Duke Street Car Park, G4 0UW (0.3 miles) currently offers an all-day special rate at £6.00 or you can validate your ticket at TIC Reception for the capped rate of £6.00 per day
- Download the ParkPass app for discounted parking at 24hr NCP Montrose Street, G1 1RS (0.2 miles). Register with the code L6PN4FX. Scan the QR code with the app on entry to the car park rather than taking a ticket to receive your discount - visit NCP George Street for prices via the ParkPass app.
- Discounted parking is available at Q-Park Candleriggs, G1 1LH (0.4 miles), if pre-booked online. Please enter code TICUOS20 to receive a 20% discount at point of booking. The car park is open 07:00-00:00, Monday to Sunday.
- The most suitable car park for those with accessibility needs is the 24hr Duke Street Car Park.
- Electric vehicle charging points are available at 24hr Duke Street Car Park and Q-Park Candleriggs.
- Blue badge holders may park free of charge at on-street parking meters and on-street pay and display areas – please visit Glasgow City Council’s website for more information.
Please note this Information is currently being updated. Prices quoted correct at June 2023.
Key diary dates
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December 2025 |
Call for abstracts open |
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Monday 9 March 2026, Midnight |
Call for abstracts close Please note there will be no call for late breaking research |
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Wednesday 11 March 2026 |
Abstracts reviewed by International Scientific Advisory Panel (ISAP) |
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Wednesday 29 April 2026 |
Outcome of abstract reviews communicated to authors Conference programme published |
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Monday 29 June 2026 |
Presenter rate booking deadline.
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Criteria for abstract selection
View the criteria for abstract selection
View conference terms and conditions
We strongly recommend that you invite a colleague to peer review your abstract against these criteria before you submit your abstract.
All abstracts must be submitted online through the Abstract Management System (AMS).
There are two tracks you can submit to:
Nursing research
We welcome all types of nursing research: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. We wish to celebrate you and the methodology and approach you took for your research.
Clinical research nursing
Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs) develop, lead and oversee and support the set up and delivery of a range of research studies, across a variety of settings. They play a vital role in research aimed at improving and advancing patient and population health and social care. Examples of studies include those investigating new treatments, devices or therapeutic interventions. CRNs may support various methodologies and research designs including, but not limited to, clinical trials. Responsibilities include informing patients and healthy participants about research studies, supporting or leading the informed consent process, training colleagues and departments to undertake clinical research, undertaking study procedures and providing care and treatment during study visits including administering study medications or interventions.
Once you have submitted your abstract, you will receive an email to confirm receipt. If you do not receive this confirmation within 12 hours of submission please email research@rcn.org.uk
Download our 2025 conference book of abstracts to view examples of past successful abstract submissions.
Types of conference presentation:
- Oral concurrent paper
A concurrent paper is presented orally. The presenter is allocated a maximum of 20 minutes to present their paper followed by 5 minutes for Q&A and discussion.
- Flash talks
Flash talks are strictly-timed 5 minute oral presentations delivered in a main plenary session (i.e. to the whole conference) and provide the opportunity for your findings to reach a large number of delegates but in a concise form.
- Poster presentation (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.
Presenters are required to be available on the day of their presentation during the lunch break, to participate in a facilitated, interactive poster tour.
- Visual Presentation with Expert Review (ViPER)
A ViPER is an oral poster presentation. The presenter is allocated a maximum of 10 minutes to present their poster. An expert in the field responds (max. 5 minutes) and then facilitates a discussion (up to 10 minutes).
- Symposium
A symposium is a presentation of between three and five papers with a shared focus. Depending on the number of papers, the duration of a symposium is 60 to 90 minutes. Each presenter is allocated a maximum of 20 minutes to present their paper followed by 5 minutes for discussion.
Unsure about presenting? Visit the ‘Why present’ page to hear from previous presenters, and the many benefits of presenting.
For support with Clinical Research Nursing (CRN) submissions, please view a recording of the webinar held in January 2025.
‘Best of the best’
Following the success of the last three years 'Best of the best' abstracts, we will be inviting three top-rated abstracts to present in a plenary session. The three winning abstracts will be granted a complimentary one-day pass for the day they are presenting. Winners will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Criteria for the top rated abstract
Highest scoring abstract after peer-review.
Where more than one abstract has the same score (or where it is excluded from consideration for one of the reasons below) the committee will select from 5 highest scoring abstracts based upon:
- Fit with conference theme
- Significance to nursing priority areas
- Originality
- Potential for impact
Reasons for exclusion
Previous abstract winner at RCN INRC
Presenting author: keynote presenter
Criteria for the top rated student abstract
Student abstracts will be identified by a tick box on the top of the page 'Step 3. Authors' on the AMS submission form and considered separately. The same criteria will be applied (the exclusions not being applicable).
Benefits of presenting
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.
With a friendly and encouraging audience of peers, the benefits for presenters are:
- a platform to showcase your work and your employer on an international level
- 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 opportunity to build networks and alliances, expanding your knowledge and personal development
Hear from one of our previous presenters:
‘To be surrounded by people who were interested, enthusiastic, supportive and keen to improve practice. It was a lovely atmosphere and humbling to have people of such a level to be so welcoming, supportive and willing to discuss and share. It was also lovely to have people with such varying levels of experience and specialities presenting and involved. Thank you!’
See the Call for abstracts page for details of how to submit your abstract.
We welcome abstracts that:
- transcend traditional boundaries, including cross-sector and cross-disciplinary studies
- showcase innovative methodologies and emerging technologies such as digital health, artificial intelligence and co-design.
- advance global health impact through collaborative partnerships
- demonstrate meaningful involvement of patients, the public and communities in all stages of 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!
Whether you're a student nurse starting out in your career or an experienced professional, we welcome submissions from individuals across all levels of nursing and from every health and social care setting – both within the UK and internationally.
We especially encourage contributions from third sector, private, independent, and voluntary organisations, as well as from our internationally educated nursing workforce.
The conference is open to RCN members and non-members.
Accreditation
With the quality assurance provided by the RCN’s Accreditation of the event, 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 current work, participate in networking events and discuss innovation in research.
A unique opportunity for an early career researcher!
The RCN International Nursing Research Conference Scientific Committee is responsible for managing the process of abstract selection and preparing the scientific content of the conference programme. Dr Gordon Hill, Chair of the Scientific Committee for the 2026 conference is offering a development opportunity for an early career researcher to join the scientific committee and is now inviting applications.
To be eligible, you must be:
- A member of the Royal College of Nursing Research Forum
- must have started a PhD at point of application. Up to 5 years post-grad, consideration will be given to those who exceed this who have taken career breaks/maternity leave etc
- able to review abstracts (between 11-18 March 2026) - this is an online process and does not involve attendance
- able to join the Scientific Committee meeting held on Tues 21 and Thurs 23 April 2026. This will be a virtual meeting hosted on MS Teams
- able to attend the conference itself (15 to 17 September 2026 in Glasgow)
To apply, you must submit:
- a short CV (to include your RCN membership number).
- a statement (200 words) outlining what you would bring to this role.
- a supporting statement from your research supervisor, indicating that your institution will support your attendance at the conference in full (that is, cover your conference fees, travel and
- accommodation costs), should you be successful.
Please send your submission, for the attention of Dr Gordon Hill, to research@rcn.org.uk by Monday 9 February 2026.
Hear from Aasia Rajpoot, 2025 Early Career Researcher:
‘This has been one of the most valuable and inspiring experiences of my PhD journey so far.
From the very first meeting, I was made to feel genuinely valued. The whole team was exceptionally supportive, guiding me at every step and ensuring I felt comfortable and included throughout. Their friendliness and approachability gave me the confidence to contribute meaningfully, while also helping me overcome doubts and recognise my own potential.
Being part of the Scientific Planning Committee gave me a unique insight into the behind-the-scenes work of organising such a big academic event. I developed a much deeper understanding of the abstract review process, programme development, and the collaborative effort required to deliver a successful conference like this. Insights and skills I gained from this experience will carry forward in my academic career.
Attending the conference itself was equally rewarding. I had the opportunity to present my research, collaborate during the Early Career Researcher and Professoriate Networking Event: Meet the 'Prof', and lead the ECR social event afterwards, and engage with peers from across the UK and beyond.
This opportunity has left me feeling inspired, more confident, and deeply connected to the research community. I am truly grateful for this chance to grow as a researcher and to contribute to such a welcoming and supportive team.’
The role of the International Scientific Advisory Panel (ISAP) is to review the abstracts that are received. If you have been a member of the ISAP in any of the previous 3 years, you will automatically be invited to be a member again.
If you have not been an ISAP member before and would like to become one, please review the criteria below and email research@rcn.org.uk by 9 March 2026. An invitation will then be issued from the abstract management system with further instructions.
Each submitted abstract is independently reviewed by at least three members of the ISAP against predetermined criteria. Based on reviewer recommendations, the conference scientific committee will develop a high-quality conference programme.
Panel members will be provided with detailed instructions to support the review process.
At the point of your registration on the abstract management system, you will be asked to indicate your areas of expertise using the topics/keywords provided to help us match submitted abstracts with your areas of expertise. This review process will be managed electronically.
Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order to nominate yourself for membership of the ISAP:
- you must have successfully submitted an abstract to an international conference or have had an article accepted in a peer review journal
- have expertise relevant to nursing
- you must be available to review abstracts between 11 and 18 March 2026.
Early career researchers that do not yet meet criteria one are encouraged to apply for membership of the ISAP. Where appropriate, conference scientific committee members will provide mentorship during the review process.
Benefits
ISAP members will be acknowledged in the conference programme and on the official conference website in recognition of your contribution.
Reviewers also contribute to the academic development of the profession by providing constructive feedback to the authors.
Timescales
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9 March 2026, midnight |
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11 March 2026 |
Abstracts will be allocated to members of the ISAP. You will be requested to review approximately 10-15 abstracts online
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18 March 2026, midnight |
Deadline to complete reviews |
Is this conference for me?
You can attend this conference as a presenting or as a non-presenting delegate.
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.
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
- Benefit from inclusive patient and public involvement
- Showcase your research and your employer on an international stage
- Engage in supportive and constructive critical debate
- Discuss 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 and make new contacts – from those starting out in their careers through to distinguished keynote speakers
- Participate in a lively social programme
- Engage with exhibitors
- Accrue up to 27 hours of continuing professional development - for UK nurses CPD counts towards your revalidation. Find out more about CPD.
Need a helping hand with securing time off or funding to attend? See our hints and tips and template letter, to aid justification of attendance to your employer.
The presenter rate booking deadline is 29 JUNE 2026. Presenter bookings after this date will not be eligible for discount and are at risk of withdrawal. All presenters must attend the conference in-person.
Presenter rates cannot be booked online. To book the presenter rate please contact RCN Event Registrations on 02920 546460. Please have your abstract reference number to hand. Alternatively, follow the invoicing instructions below the fees table.
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*.View our visa application policy for international delegates
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 (available until 29 June 2026) |
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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 |
|
Non-member (1 day fee ) |
£ 316.00 |
£ 63.20 |
£ 379.20 |
£ 277.00 |
£ 55.40 |
£ 332.40 |
|
Member (2 day fee ) |
£ 320.00 |
£ 64.00 |
£ 384.00 |
£ 285.00 |
£ 57.00 |
£ 342.00 |
|
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) |
£ 75.00 |
£ 15.00 |
£ 90.00 |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (2 day) |
£150.00 |
£30.00 |
£180.00 |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (3 day) |
£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
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
Please note our booking lines are only open Monday to Friday.
Online bookings are the easiest and fastest way to book 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bookings can 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.
Bookings can also be made by post with a downloaded booking form with credit card details or payment/remittance advice posted to: Event registrations, PO Box 2329, Cardiff CF23 8YZ.
Invoice payment
To pay by invoice you must send all the below to eventsreg@rcn.org.uk
- A copy of the official Purchase Order document from your organisation or company, addressed to supplier: Royal College of Nursing, 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 booking forms without PDF copies of Purchase Orders or vice versa, as we will not be able to complete your booking without them.
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.
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 university, 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 02076473959 or email exhibitions@rcn.org.uk.
Delegates are also welcome to book alternative accommodation via their preferred platforms.
Email: Research@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 6473577
If your query relates to a booking, please contact the Registration Team directly:
Email: eventsreg@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)29 2054 6460
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Page last updated - 22/12/2025
