Originally founded to provide a space to display nursing research, the event has since expanded to include a partnership between the college, UF Health, the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center and the Alpha Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau to expose attendees to cutting-edge nursing science through poster presentations and collaborative discussions.

“This event has flourished into a showcase of innovative research that has inspired professionals from various disciplines to solve complex health problems,” said Lisa Scarton, PhD, RN, an assistant professor and the Research Summit Planning Committee chair. “I look forward to this symposium of scholarship continuing for decades to come!”

A keynote address by Stephanie Ferguson, PhD, RN, FAAN, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, opened the event. Ferguson’s presentation on how clinicians can use social determinants of health, nonmedical factors, such as economic stability that influence well-being and consider the environment to mitigate suffering from public health emergencies, served as an inspiration and call to action for the next generation of nurse scientists.

“Human health and the health of our planet are intrinsically linked,” Ferguson said. “Change is happening, and it’s essential to look into a mirror and decide on what part of the solution you want to be.”

To conclude the symposium, two panels featuring researchers, clinicians and community partners discussed global and community health. The cross-disciplinary discussion provided the opportunity for a live audience to engage panelists in stimulating discussions to develop new ways of improving health outcomes.

“As nurses, we understand the importance of wellness in the areas we serve to ensure the best care possible for our patients,” said Dean and the Linda Harman Aiken Chair Anna McDaniel, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Although it is bittersweet to celebrate this last summit with you as dean of the College of Nursing, this occasion will be one to remember.”

Participating researchers had the opportunity to present their research embodying the theme of “Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Research from Community to Planetary Health” through trifold poster presentations. Select students were also honored for their excellence in graduate research through scholarship awards.