Honorees will be inducted during Sigma’s 36th International Nursing Research Congress
INDIANAPOLIS—Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) will induct 15 world-renowned nurse researchers into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame induction, conversations with the honorees, and special sessions showcasing their research will take place during the organization’s 36th International Nursing Research Congress in Seattle on Saturday, 19 July 2025. During the event, these individuals—representing Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States—will share experiences and words of wisdom from their illustrious careers.
“I’m humbled and honored to recognize this year’s 15 esteemed inductees into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame,” said Sigma President Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, DNSc, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN. “Through your groundbreaking research, unwavering dedication, and commitment to advancing nursing science, you represent Sigma’s vision of connected, empowered nurses transforming global healthcare. This prestigious recognition is a testament to your impact on nursing research and the lives you have touched through your work. I celebrate your achievements, the generations you have inspired, and the legacy you continue to build.”
Sigma CEO Lucas M. Davis, MEd, CAE, ACC, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, ICE-CCP, added, "Congratulations to the 2025 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame inductees! I applaud your outstanding dedication, innovation, and contributions to nursing science, and I have no doubt you are shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. Your work inspires and uplifts the nursing profession and is creating a lasting impact on patient care, policy, education, and many more determinants of global health. This well-deserved honor celebrates your passion and commitment to nursing scientific research. Bravo!"
This year marks the 16th presentation of Sigma’s prestigious Hall of Fame honor. The 2025 inductees will join more than 300 previously inducted nurse researchers who have achieved significant and sustained national or international recognition and whose research has improved the profession of nursing and the people it serves. Since its inception, the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame presentation has been sponsored by Wiley.
“Wiley is honored to partner with Sigma and support the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of nurse researchers who are driving meaningful advancements in healthcare worldwide,” said James Pearce, PhD, Associate Publisher, Health Sciences at Wiley. “These inductees exemplify the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and impact in nursing science. On behalf of Wiley, I extend our most sincere congratulations to the 2025 honorees. Your research is transforming patient care and strengthening the global nursing community.”
Sigma’s annual nursing research congress welcomes 800-1,000 nurse researchers, students, clinicians, and leaders who network, collaborate, and share the latest nursing scientific research. The theme for the 36th International Nursing Research Congress is Representing Nursing Globally Through Dissemination of Research and Evidence. To view details or register for the event, visit SigmaNursing.org/Congress.
2025 INTERNATIONAL NURSE RESEARCHER HALL OF FAME HONOREES
Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen, DNSc, RN, GNP-BC, FAAN
Professor and Director
National Taiwan University School of Nursing and National Taiwan University Hospital Department of Nursing
Taipei, Taiwan
Wai-Tong Chien, PhD, MPhil, PGDip(NEd), BN(Hons), RMN, FAAN, Hon.FHKAN
Director and Professor
Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Vanessa Heaslip, PhD, DN, MA, BSc (Hons), RN, DipHE
Professor of Nursing and Healthcare Equity
University of Salford
Salford, England
Alison Kitson, DPhil, BSc(Hons), RN, FRCN, FAAN, FAAHMS
Chair International Learning Collaborative (ILC), Foundation Director 2019-2024, Caring Futures Institute, Inaugural Vice President and Executive Dean 2017-2024
College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University
Bedford Park, Adelaide, Australia
Pamela Martyn-Nemeth, PhD, RN
Professor
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, USA
LaRon E. Nelson, PhD, FNP, RN, FNAP, FNYAM, FAAN
Independence Foundation Professor
Yale School of Nursing
New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Mercy Ngosa Mumba, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor and Associate Dean of Global Initiatives and Community Partnerships, Founding Director - Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Patrice K. Nicholas, DNSc, RN, DHL (Hon.), MPH, MS, FAAN
Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita and Director Emerita, Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health
MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing
Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
Kavita Radhakrishnan, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAHA
Associate Dean for Research
The University of Texas - Austin School of Nursing
Austin, Texas, USA
Karen Saban, PhD, RN
Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Scholarly Innovation
Loyola University Chicago, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Hudson Santos, PhD, RN, FABMR, FAAN
Dean and Professor, Dolores J. Chambreau Endowed Chair
University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies
Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN
Dean and Professor
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Jennifer N. Stinson, PhD, RN-EC, CPNP, FCAHS, FAAN
Professor and Senior Scientist
Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, and Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Marcia L. Van Riper, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
Kristine Williams, PhD, ARNP
E. Jean Hill Professor
University of Kansas School of Nursing
Lawrence, Kansas, USA
About Sigma
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 100,000 members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Learn more at www.SigmaNursing.org.