Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award & Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award

AACN created this awards program to recognize and showcase excellence in PhD dissertations and DNP projects completed by students in research- and practice-focused doctoral programs. Many doctoral students are advancing ground-breaking research and practice innovations that are worthy of national recognition and could serve as exemplars for other students to emulate.

Two awards will be presented each year, with one award presented in each of the following categories:

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award for an outstanding dissertation from a student in a PhD in nursing (or DNS program). A dissertation is an original research project that focuses on advancing nursing science and developing new evidence with the potential to guide nursing practice.

Download PhD Nomination Information

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award for an outstanding final project from a student in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. A DNP project demonstrates high-level mastery of an area of advanced nursing practice and focuses on the translation of evidence into practice.

Download DNP Nomination Information

The 2026 application cycle is now closed.

A selection committee will review all complete nominations received and select award finalists. This committee reserves the right to decide not to recommend an award in any given year. Award finalists must be approved by the AACN Board of Directors.

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award

Call for applications for this award is now open. To apply, please fill out the online application. The deadline is June 5, 2026. Please review the Nomination Information PDF to prepare for submission.

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award

Call for applications for this award is now open. To apply, please fill out the online application. The deadline is June 5, 2026. Please review the Nomination Information PDF to prepare for submission.

  • The doctoral student/graduate receiving an award must attend AACN’s Doctoral Education Conference. The conference registration fee for the winners will be waived.
  • The award will be presented at the podium in conjunction with a plenary session.
  • Award winners will present their abstracts on the second day of the Doctoral Education Conference.
  • The award includes a “symbol” of appreciation and a $1,000 check. Winners will be announced via AACN publications and on the AACN Website.


Contact Information

Please direct any questions related to this awards program to Cynthia Leaver, Director of Academic Nursing Development at cleaver@aacnnursing.org.

Congratulations to the 2026 Award Recipients!

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science Award

Namuun Clifford

Namuun Clifford, PhD, FNP-C, MSN, RN
The University of Texas at Austin 
Toward Precision Digital Health in Cardiovascular Disease: Characterizing Engagement Phenotypes and Trajectories to Improve Outcomes
PhD Program Director: Karen E. Johnson, PhD, RN, FSAHM, FAAN

Excellence in Advancing Nursing Practice Award

Eduardo Flores-Lopez

Eduardo Flores-Lopez, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AAHIVS
University of Texas Medical Branch
Improving Hepatitis Vaccine Assessment, Documentation, and Vaccine Initiation Using a Standardized Bundle in an LGBTQ+ Health Clinic
DNP Program Director: Sharron Forest, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC

View All Past Recipients