Top Nursing Research Conferences to Attend in 2026

Nursing research is what transforms evidence into practice. The nurse scientist who presents a rigorously designed clinical study at an international research conference today can change how thousands of nurses deliver care tomorrow. In 2026, the nursing research conference calendar is richer than ever — spanning landmark global congresses, regional research societies, and specialist evidence-based practice events. 

This guide covers the top nursing research conferences to attend in 2026. Each entry includes verified dates, location, who should attend, and what you gain. We start with the PubScholars International Nursing Conference 2026 — a hybrid event in San Diego with ANCC-approved CEUs, open abstract submission, and publication in conference proceedings. 

For nurse practitioner-specific events, see our guide to the top nurse practitioner conferences in 2026. For nursing education conferences, see our top nursing education conferences 2026 guide

Why attend a nursing research conference in 2026? 

Nursing research conferences are distinct from clinical nursing events. They are designed for nurse scientists, researchers, and evidence-based practice leaders who generate, test, and translate nursing knowledge rather than simply apply it. 

Here is what you gain: 

•  Early access to original nursing research findings before journal publication. 
• Abstract presentation opportunities that build your scholarly profile and contribute to the field. 
• CEU and NCPD credits for licence and certification renewal. 
• Peer critique and mentorship from senior nurse scientists and research leaders. 
• Cross-disciplinary connections that lead to multi-site research studies and grant collaborations. 
• Publication in conference proceedings — read our guide on how to write a conference abstract before you submit. 

Top nursing research conferences in 2026 

 1. ★ International Nursing Conference 2026 — PubScholars (San Diego, USA) 

Date: May 23–24, 2026 

Location: The Sofia Hotel, 150 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

Theme: “Global Nursing Horizons: Empowering Education & Leadership Through AI & Innovation” 

The PubScholars International Nursing Conference 2026 is the most accessible event on this list for nurse researchers who want to present original work to an international audience and get it published. The conference covers evidence-based nursing practice, nursing informatics and AI, advanced practice nursing research, patient outcomes and quality improvement, nursing education research, global health equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nursing leadership. 

Both in-person and virtual attendance are fully supported. Abstract submissions are reviewed by an international scientific committee and accepted papers are published in official conference proceedings. ANCC-approved CEU credits are available for both in-person and virtual attendees. The hybrid format makes it the most geographically accessible nursing research event on this list. 

Who should attend: Nurse scientists, nursing researchers, evidence-based practice leaders, doctoral nursing students, clinical nurse specialists with research roles, and nursing faculty presenting original research 

CEUs / Credits: ANCC-approved continuing education credits available 

Abstract submission:  

Website:  https://pubscholars.org/

 Abstract submission open. ANCC-approved CEUs. Email: info@pubscholars.org | Phone: +91 7042134266 

2. 37th International Nursing Research Congress 2026 — Sigma (Hong Kong) 

Date: July 16–18, 2026 

Location: Hong Kong, China (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

 The 37th International Nursing Research Congress (INRC 2026), organised by Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma), is the most prestigious annual nursing research conference in the world. Held in Hong Kong for 2026, INRC brings together thousands of nurse scientists, researchers, and evidence-based practice leaders from every world region to present and debate the most rigorous nursing research of the year. 

Sigma is the honour society of nursing, with over 135,000 active members and nearly 700 chapters worldwide. The INRC is Sigma’s flagship annual research event, distinct from its biennial convention. The 2026 Congress in Hong Kong is the first INRC held in Asia since the organisation expanded its global reach. Both in-person and virtual attendance are available, with NCPD credits for all participants. 

Who should attend: Nurse scientists and researchers at all career stages, doctoral nursing students, nursing faculty with active research programmes, and evidence-based practice leaders globally 

CEUs / Credits: NCPD (Nursing Continuing Professional Development) credits available 

Website:  

3. 5th World Nursing Research Conference (WNRC 2026) — Singapore 

Date: July 17–19, 2026 

Location: Singapore (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

The 5th World Nursing Research Conference 2026 is a major international nursing research event bringing together nursing professionals, researchers, and educators from across Asia and worldwide. The conference covers evidence-based nursing research, clinical nursing science, nursing education research, global health nursing, informatics, and nursing leadership research. 

Final round abstract submissions close July 10, 2026. Final round registration closes July 15, 2026. CPD credits are available accredited by the CPD Group. The Singapore location makes WNRC 2026 particularly accessible to Asia-Pacific nurse researchers, with a hybrid format for international virtual participation. Previous confirmed presenters have included researchers from the USA, Jordan, China, Brazil, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Denmark, Hong Kong, and India. 

Who should attend: Nursing researchers from Asia-Pacific and globally, clinical nurse scientists, nursing educators with research specialisations, and postgraduate nursing students presenting original research 

CEUs / Credits: CPD credits available accredited by the CPD Group 

Website:  

4. WIN Annual Conference 2026 — Western Institute of Nursing (San Francisco, USA) 

Date: April 21–24, 2026 (already held) 

Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, California, USA 

The 2026 WIN Annual Conference is the premier nursing research event for the western United States, connecting a diverse community of nurses across the West to improve health through excellence in nursing research, practice, and education. The Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) promotes collaborative nursing research and evidence-based practice specifically in the western states and territories. 

WIN 2026 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square brings together nurse scientists, nursing faculty, doctoral students, and evidence-based practice leaders for research presentations, mentorship sessions, and networking. The 2026 San Francisco conference has already taken place. Watch winursing.org for the 2027 conference announcement. 

Who should attend: Nurse scientists and researchers based in or connected to western US states and territories, doctoral nursing students in western institutions, and evidence-based practice leaders in western health systems 

CEUs / Credits: CE credits available — verify on winursing.org 

Website:  

5. ENRS Annual Conference 2026 — Eastern Nursing Research Society (USA) 

Date: 2026 — confirm current dates on enrs-go.org 

Location: Eastern USA — confirm venue on enrs-go.org 

The Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference is the primary nursing research conference for the eastern United States, covering evidence-based practice, qualitative and quantitative nursing research, and translational science. ENRS has 16 active Research Interest Groups (RIGs) spanning aging, criminal justice and trauma, evidence-based practice improvement, global health, LGBTQIA health disparities, mental health, military and veteran health, palliative care, precision health, qualitative research, and reproductive and maternal health. 

The ENRS Annual Conference is particularly strong for early-career nurse scientists, with the Early Career Nurse Scientists (ECNS) RIG and Student Discovery Network providing dedicated programming and mentorship for PhD students and new nurse researchers. 

Who should attend: Nurse scientists in eastern US institutions, early-career nurse researchers, doctoral nursing students, evidence-based practice improvement specialists, and nursing faculty with research roles 

CEUs / Credits: CEUs available — verify on enrs-go.org 

Website:  

6. 6th World Nursing Science Conference (WNSC 2026) — Miami, Florida, USA 

Date: September 18–20, 2026 

Location: Miami, Florida, USA (Hybrid — in-person and virtual) 

The 6th World Nursing Science Conference is a major international nursing research event held in Miami for 2026. The conference has grown into one of the most influential gatherings for nursing professionals worldwide, with confirmed presenters from the USA, Jordan, China, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Denmark, and beyond. Second round abstract submissions close July 25, 2026. Second round registration closes July 31, 2026. 

WNSC 2026 covers evidence-based nursing practice, clinical research, nursing education science, global health equity, nursing informatics, AI in nursing care, and nursing leadership research. Both in-person Miami attendance and virtual participation are available. 

Who should attend: Nursing researchers, clinical nurse scientists, nursing educators with research specialisations, healthcare professionals in nursing science, and postgraduate nursing students from the USA and internationally 

CEUs / Credits: CPD credits available — verify on globalnursingconference.com 

Website:  

7. 21st International Nursing Research Congress (INRC 2026) — Tokyo, Japan 

Date: July 20–21, 2026 

Location: Tokyo, Japan and Virtually (Hybrid) 

Theme: “Nursing Across Nations: Compassion, Collaboration, and Change” 

The 21st International Nursing Research Congress, organised by Inovine Meetings, is a separate event from Sigma’s INRC (also listed above), held in Tokyo in July 2026. The theme — ‘Nursing Across Nations: Compassion, Collaboration, and Change’ — brings together nursing professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers to explore cutting-edge nursing science with a strong Asia-Pacific focus. 

16 CPD credits are accredited by the CPD Group. Both in-person Tokyo attendance and virtual participation are available. Official invitation letters for visa purposes are issued upon confirmed registration. The Congress covers nursing research across all specialties and settings, with strong representation from Asian nursing research communities. 

Who should attend: Nursing researchers internationally with an interest in Asia-Pacific nursing science, clinical nurse scientists, doctoral students, and nursing educators with active research programmes 

CEUs / Credits: 16 CPD credits accredited by the CPD Group 

Website:  

8. 10th International Nursing Research Conference 2026 — Boston, USA 

Date: October 22–24, 2026 

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA 

Edition: 10th Edition — 180+ participants — 30 contact hours 

The 10th International Nursing Research Conference in Boston is a substantial evidence-based nursing research event offering 30 CE contact hours across three days — one of the highest CE concentrations of any nursing research event on this list. The conference focuses on evidence-based nursing practice, qualitative nursing research, and the translation of nursing research into clinical settings. 

The Boston location makes this event particularly convenient for nurse researchers on the US East Coast. Its focus on evidence-based practice and qualitative research methods addresses two of the most practically impactful areas of nursing science for frontline clinical nursing. 

Who should attend: Nurse researchers, evidence-based practice specialists, qualitative nursing researchers, clinical nurse scientists, and doctoral nursing students seeking East Coast research conference options 

CEUs / Credits: 30 contact hours available 

Website:  

9. International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) World Congress 2026 

Date: 2026 — confirm current dates on isncc.org 

Location: International — confirm venue on isncc.org 

The ISNCC World Congress is the premier international nursing research conference for oncology nursing and cancer care research. It brings together oncology nurses, nursing researchers, and cancer care specialists from around the world to share the latest findings in oncology nursing science, cancer care delivery, survivorship research, and palliative nursing. 

For nurse scientists whose research focuses on oncology, cancer care, survivorship, or palliative care, ISNCC is the most focused international research forum available. ISNCC membership includes access to the International Journal of Nursing Studies and other research resources. 

Who should attend: Oncology nurse researchers, cancer care nursing scientists, palliative care nurse researchers, and nursing faculty with oncology or cancer care research programmes 

CEUs / Credits: CE credits available — verify on isncc.org 

Website:  

10. International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISNG) Annual Conference 2026 — Miami, USA 

Date: November 2026 — confirm exact dates on isong.org 

Location: Miami, Florida, USA 

The ISNG Annual Conference is the specialist nursing research conference for nurses working in genomics, genetics, and precision health — one of the fastest-growing areas of nursing science in 2026. Genomics-informed nursing research, genetic counselling integration, pharmacogenomics in nursing practice, and precision health frameworks are all covered in depth at ISNG. 

For nurse scientists working at the intersection of nursing and genomics, ISNG is the primary annual peer community. The 2026 conference in Miami keeps it accessible to US-based nurse researchers while drawing international genomics nursing researchers. 

Who should attend: Genetics and genomics nurse researchers, precision health nursing scientists, nursing faculty in genomics programmes, and clinical nurses integrating genomic knowledge into patient care research 

CEUs / Credits: CE credits available — verify on isong.org 

Website:  

Quick comparison: nursing research conferences 2026 at a glance 

Use this table to find the best match for your research focus, location, and CE needs.

Conference	Hybrid	Abstract	CEUs	USA	Date
PubScholars Nursing Conf. 2026 ★	Hybrid	✓	✓	✓	May 23–24
Sigma INRC 2026 (Hong Kong)	Hybrid	✓	✓	✗	Jul 16–18
WNRC 2026 (Singapore)	Hybrid	✓	✓	✗	Jul 17–19
WIN Conference 2026 (San Francisco)	In-person	✓	✓	✓	Apr 21–24 ✓held
ENRS Annual Conference 2026	In-person	✓	✓	✓	2026
WNSC 2026 (Miami)	Hybrid	✓	✓	✓	Sep 18–20
Nursing Research Conf. (Boston)	In-person	✓	✓	✓	Oct 22–24

WIN Conference 2026 has already taken place. All other dates verified as of May 2026. Confirm on official websites before registering. 

How to choose the right nursing research conference for you 

If you want the most prestigious nursing research forum 

The Sigma 37th International Nursing Research Congress (Jul 16–18, Hong Kong) is the flagship annual research congress of Sigma Theta Tau International — the world’s most prominent nursing honour society. For nurse scientists building their global research reputation, Sigma INRC carries the highest professional recognition of any nursing research event on this list. 

If you want to present and get published 

The PubScholars International Nursing Conference 2026 (May 23–24, San Diego) is the most accessible option for abstract submission, international peer review, and publication in conference proceedings with ANCC-approved CEUs. Submit at pubscholars.org/nursing-conference/submit-abstract/. 

If you are based in the USA and want a regional research focus 

The WIN Annual Conference (Apr 21–24, San Francisco) has already taken place for 2026. The ENRS Annual Conference 2026 covers the eastern US nursing research community with 16 Research Interest Groups across every nursing science specialty. The 10th International Nursing Research Conference in Boston (Oct 22–24) offers 30 CE hours for East Coast researchers. 

If your research is in oncology, genomics, or a specialist area 

The ISNCC World Congress is the top international forum for oncology nursing research. The ISNG Annual Conference (Miami, November) is the definitive nursing research event for genomics and precision health nursing science. 

If you are an early-career nurse scientist or doctoral student 

ENRS has the strongest early-career programme of any nursing research society in the USA, with its Early Career Nurse Scientists RIG and Student Discovery Network. Sigma INRC also has dedicated early-career and student programming. Both offer mentorship and poster presentation opportunities. 

Useful guides for nursing researchers 

These PubScholars resources will help you prepare: 

•  How to write a conference abstract — structure, format, and template for nursing research 
• What is the purpose of a conference committee — understand how your abstract is reviewed 
• Conference papers vs journal papers — decide the right publication route for your nursing research 
• Nursing grants and scholarships 2026 — funding options to cover conference registration and travel 
• Guide to USA conference visa requirements — for international nurse researchers attending San Diego, Miami, or Boston events 

Frequently asked questions — nursing research conferences 2026 

What is the biggest nursing research conference in 2026? 

The Sigma 37th International Nursing Research Congress (INRC 2026, July 16–18, Hong Kong) is the largest and most prestigious annual nursing research congress in the world, organised by Sigma Theta Tau International — the honour society of nursing with over 135,000 active members and nearly 700 chapters worldwide. 

Is there a nursing research conference in the USA in 2026? 

Yes — multiple. The WIN Annual Conference (Apr 21–24, San Francisco, already held), ENRS Annual Conference 2026, the 10th International Nursing Research Conference (Oct 22–24, Boston), WNSC 2026 (Sep 18–20, Miami), and ISNG Annual Conference (November, Miami). The PubScholars Nursing Conference (May 23–24, San Diego) is a hybrid nursing research event with abstract submission open at pubscholars.org/nursing-conference/. 

Which nursing research conference is hybrid in 2026? 

The PubScholars International Nursing Conference (May 23–24, San Diego), Sigma INRC (Jul 16–18, Hong Kong), WNRC 2026 (Jul 17–19, Singapore), 21st INRC Tokyo (Jul 20–21), and WNSC 2026 (Sep 18–20, Miami) are all hybrid events. The PubScholars conference offers ANCC-approved CEUs and abstract submission with publication. Register at pubscholars.org/nursing-conference/. 

How is the Sigma INRC different from other nursing research conferences? 

The Sigma International Nursing Research Congress is the annual research congress of the world’s largest nursing honour society. Unlike regional conferences (WIN, ENRS) or specialty research events (ISNCC, ISNG), Sigma INRC is global and covers all areas of nursing science simultaneously. Acceptance and presentation at Sigma INRC carries significant academic recognition across all nursing specialties and world regions. 

Where can I present nursing research and get published in 2026? 

The PubScholars International Nursing Conference 2026 (May 23–24, San Diego) has abstract submissions open now, with accepted papers published in official conference proceedings after review by an international scientific committee. Submit at pubscholars.org/nursing-conference/submit-abstract/. WNRC 2026 (Singapore, Jul 17–19) and WNSC 2026 (Miami, Sep 18–20) also have abstract submission open for 2026. 

Do I need a visa to attend a nursing research conference in the USA? 

International nurse researchers travelling to San Diego, Miami, or Boston may need a B-1 visa. Your conference organisers can provide a formal invitation letter. Read our complete guide to USA conference visa requirements for the documents you need and how to apply. 

Final thought 

Nursing research is what moves the profession forward. Every evidence-based protocol, every improved patient outcome, every clinical guideline update begins with a nurse scientist asking a rigorous question and designing a study to answer it. The conferences on this list are where those studies get shared, tested, and built upon by the global nursing research community. 

If you are a nurse researcher looking for an accessible hybrid event with abstract submission open, ANCC-approved CEUs, and publication in conference proceedings in 2026, the PubScholars International Nursing Conference 2026 (May 23–24, The Sofia Hotel, San Diego, CA) is the most accessible remaining option.