INR Extends Registration for Third International Research Conference as CEO Highlights Importance of Research and AI in Nursing
FNA NEWS, 9th OF NOVEMBER, 2026
The Institute of Nursing Research, Nigeria, says its third International Scientific Research Conference will provide a platform for advancing nursing education, research, technology and professional leadership, as it responds to growing interest by extending the registration deadline.
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The Institute of Nursing Research, Nigeria (INR), has extended the registration deadline for its third International Scientific Research Conference following increased interest and requests from prospective participants.
The development was disclosed by the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Emmanuel O. Adesuyi, in an interview with Fellow Nurses Africa, where he discussed the forthcoming conference, its objectives, the Institute’s broader vision and the importance of research and innovation in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery.
The conference, themed “Transforming Nursing and Midwifery: Innovations, Challenges and Future Directions,” will bring together nursing and midwifery educators, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, regulators, students and other healthcare professionals to examine emerging developments within the profession.
According to Adesuyi, the conference builds on previous editions held in 2021 and 2023. He explained that the need for sustained professional conversations informed the decision to organise another edition.
“The intention for this conference is to bring together educators, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, policy-influencers and students to share innovative ideas, critical insights, and transformative strategies that will shape the future of nursing and midwifery,” he said.
He stressed that platforms for professional engagement are essential to the advancement of nursing, noting that the profession would struggle to progress without opportunities for nurses, midwives and students to exchange ideas and contribute to important discussions.
Conference to address technology, artificial intelligence and emerging healthcare challenges
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Explaining the rationale behind this year’s theme, Adesuyi highlighted the rapid changes taking place across the global healthcare landscape.
He identified technological innovation, social transformation and emerging health challenges as major forces reshaping nursing and midwifery.
He also pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) as experiences that exposed gaps in global preparedness and demonstrated the need for healthcare professionals to adapt to changing realities.
According to him, these developments have made it necessary to rethink traditional approaches to nursing education, research and clinical practice.
He raised important questions about the profession’s readiness to adapt, lead and remain relevant as technological and healthcare developments continue to advance.
The conference will therefore examine how nurses and midwives can embrace innovation, creativity, inclusivity and resilience while responding to the changing demands of healthcare delivery.
Research, workforce development and professional leadership among key priorities
Adesuyi explained that the conference aims to equip nurses, midwives and nursing students with contemporary knowledge, research insights and strategic perspectives on emerging technologies and global professional developments.
Its objectives include examining innovative approaches to nursing education, digital learning platforms, artificial intelligence, big data and technology-driven research.
The conference will also explore strategies for strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce through advanced education, research capacity development, professional leadership, workforce planning and policy engagement.
Other areas of focus include specialised nursing practice, expanded professional roles, patient safety, healthcare quality and the integration of digital health solutions into clinical practice.
He noted that the expected outcomes extend beyond increasing participants’ awareness of global developments.
The Institute also hopes to stimulate research collaborations, strengthen evidence-informed practice, encourage professional development and generate recommendations that can inform future policy discussions.
Accepted abstracts to receive DOI, as participants gain research visibility and mentorship opportunities
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Beyond attending academic presentations, participants with accepted abstracts stand to benefit from opportunities to showcase their research to a wider international audience.
Adesuyi explained that accepted abstracts will be published in the conference Book of Abstracts through a partnership with a reputable academic journal. Each accepted abstract will also receive a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), making it easier to identify, cite and track its academic reach.
Participants will also have opportunities to present their research through oral or poster presentations, interact with fellow researchers and establish professional relationships that could lead to future collaborations.
For participants without abstracts, the conference will provide access to contemporary research findings, discussions with local and international experts, mentorship and professional networking opportunities.
Adesuyi particularly highlighted the opportunity to learn from facilitators who have secured competitive research grants and fully funded postgraduate scholarships.
He described the conference as an opportunity for nurses and other healthcare professionals to learn, connect, grow and position themselves for new professional possibilities.
Why INR extended the conference registration deadline
Addressing the extension of the registration deadline,Dr Adesuyi attributed the decision to the significant interest expressed by prospective participants after the initial deadline had passed.
Following the extension, the new registration deadline has been fixed for 14 November 2026. Prospective participants who are yet to register are encouraged to complete their registration on or before the revised deadline to secure their participation in the conference.
https://www.inrnigeria.org/inr-conference
He explained that the Institute continued to receive enquiries, emails and messages from individuals who had missed the original registration window but remained interested in attending.
According to him, the Institute also considered the enthusiasm generated by previous editions and the expectations surrounding this year’s conference.
He stated that INR reviewed its logistical arrangements and made additional provisions to accommodate more participants before approving the extension.
“At INR, we believe this conference belongs to the nursing and midwifery community it seeks to serve. We therefore considered it important to respond positively to this genuine demand rather than exclude individuals who were eager to participate,” he said.
He encouraged prospective participants who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended window.
“This is an opportunity you do not want to miss! If you have been considering attending, take advantage of this extended window and secure your place,” he urged.
He added that the conference would provide opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, showcase research, establish valuable connections and participate in conversations that could influence the future of nursing and midwifery.
INR marks 10 years of advancing nursing research and professional development
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The 2026 conference also holds particular significance for the Institute, as it marks 10 years since its establishment in 2016.
Adesuyi described the anniversary as an important milestone in the organisation’s commitment to strengthening nursing research and building the research capacity of nurses.
The Institute of Nursing Research, Nigeria, is a non-governmental professional organisation established through the Fellowship of Christian Nurses (FCN), Southwest Zone, Nigeria.
According to information provided by the CEO, the Institute was established to support families and communities through credible clinical and community-based research while equipping nurses with the skills required for research and other scholarly activities.
It was officially launched on 14 May 2016 at the Fellowship of Christian Nurses, Southwest Zone conference held at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
Adesuyi explained that the organisation seeks to equip nurses with the knowledge and resources required to participate meaningfully in scientific research, from developing research concepts to disseminating findings within the academic community.
He further disclosed that INR now has an international presence, with registration and a strong presence in the United Kingdom. Its membership extends across Africa, Europe, Asia and America.
Reflecting on the organisation’s progress, he emphasised its continued commitment to making an impact within the profession.
INR plans conference communique and policy engagement to sustain impact
On how the Institute intends to ensure that the conference produces meaningful outcomes beyond the event, Adesuyi said INR recognises that the value of a scientific conference should be measured not only by the quality of discussions but also by the extent to which its outcomes influence professional practice, research, education and policy.
He disclosed that the Institute is working with participating scholars and experts to develop a comprehensive conference communique.
The document will capture major discussions, research evidence, consensus positions and actionable recommendations emerging from the conference.
According to him, the communique will be published on INR’s official website and social media platforms, shared with relevant news media outlets and formally disseminated to government ministries, regulatory bodies, professional organisations, institutions and other stakeholders.
The Institute also plans to work with policymakers and influential scholars to identify priority areas for professional and policy reform, develop actionable proposals and identify individuals or organisations that can champion their implementation.
Adesuyi further revealed that INR intends to sustain engagement through research collaborations, knowledge exchange and subsequent professional initiatives.
Among its post-conference plans is the introduction of another cohort of its journal club, followed by an opportunity for interested professionals to apply for full membership of the organisation.
He emphasised that the Institute wants the conference to serve as a catalyst for action rather than remain a standalone academic gathering.
Dr Adesuyi reflects on his PhD journey and the place of faith in academic growth
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Beyond his leadership responsibilities at INR, Adesuyi also shared insights into his academic journey, describing his pursuit of a PhD as an experience shaped by faith, intellectual curiosity and a desire to make meaningful contributions to nursing and healthcare.
He identified his relationship with God as his primary motivation, alongside his conviction that knowledge and exposure are essential to professional impact.
“My motivation for pursuing a PhD was first and foremost rooted in my close relationship with God and then in my conviction that knowledge and exposure are fundamental to meaningful impact,” he said.
His doctoral research explored Teaching and Learning in Digital Spaces in Nursing and Midwifery Education, an area he described as transformative to his intellectual, professional and personal development.
However, he acknowledged that the journey came with significant challenges, including balancing academic demands with professional responsibilities, navigating research philosophies and methodologies, and maintaining the resilience required to complete the programme.
One of his major lessons was that doctoral education requires more than intellectual ability.
“A PhD is as much about intellectual humility, discipline and perseverance as it is about academic achievement,” he explained.
He also disclosed that his current research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital education, genetics and genomics, and precision medicine.
His ongoing research explores the application of technology-driven genomics and precision medicine in the prevention, early detection and management of prostate cancer, with particular emphasis on translating scientific innovation into equitable healthcare practice.
His advice to young nurses: Do not wait for perfect circumstances
Offering advice to young nurses, academics and healthcare professionals aspiring to pursue advanced qualifications, Adesuyi encouraged them to remain intentional about their professional and academic development.
He advised individuals not to wait for perfect circumstances before pursuing opportunities for growth.
“Start where you are, with what you have,” he said.
He also encouraged young professionals to seek mentorship, build meaningful professional networks, remain curious and develop the discipline required to balance academic ambitions with professional responsibilities.
He cautioned against viewing higher education solely as a pathway into academia, arguing that knowledge can also strengthen leadership, innovation, professional influence and service delivery.
According to him, nursing needs professionals who are not only competent in clinical practice but are also equipped to question existing approaches, conduct research, innovate and influence the future direction of the profession.
He concluded by encouraging prospective conference participants not to remain on the sidelines of conversations shaping their profession.
“Do not sit on the sidelines of the conversations shaping the future of your profession. Be in the room!” he said.
He added that whether participants are students, clinicians, educators, researchers or nursing leaders, the conference offers an opportunity to learn, establish connections, exchange ideas and discover new professional possibilities.
As nursing and midwifery continue to respond to technological advancements and changing healthcare demands, platforms that strengthen research, professional collaboration and evidence-informed practice remain important. The success of such initiatives, however, will ultimately depend on how effectively the knowledge generated translates into better education, stronger professional practice and improved healthcare outcomes.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Durowoju Abisola is a registered nurse, nurse writer and On-Air Correspondent at Fellow Nurses Africa (FNA), passionate about nursing leadership, health education and advocacy.
Through journalism, storytelling and content creation, she amplifies important conversations around nursing, healthcare and the experiences of nurses in Nigeria. She is committed to using her voice and professional knowledge to educate the public, challenge misconceptions and inspire the next generation of nurses.
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