A Message from WIN's President - October 2026
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Protecting Nursing Science. Investing in Our Future. Celebrating 60 Years of WIN.
Dear WIN Members,
As we move closer to the Western Institute of Nursing's historic 60th Anniversary Conference, April 6–9, 2027, in Bellevue, Washington, I find myself reflecting on two important questions: What will the future of nursing science look like, and what role will WIN play in shaping it?
For nearly six decades, WIN has provided a professional home for nurse researchers, educators, clinicians, students, and scholars committed to advancing nursing science. We have celebrated discoveries, supported emerging researchers, fostered lifelong professional relationships, and championed the importance of evidence-based practice.
But as we prepare to celebrate our remarkable history, we must also acknowledge that the environment in which nursing science operates is changing—sometimes in ways that should concern every one of us.
Academic Freedom and the Future of Scientific Inquiry
A recent Higher Ed Dive article, "US Higher Ed Faces Mounting Attacks on Academic Freedom, Report Warns," highlighted findings from Scholars at Risk documenting at least 40 attacks on academic freedom in the United States during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Think about that for a moment.
At a time when our nation desperately needs scientific discovery, innovation, and evidence-informed solutions to increasingly complex health challenges, we are witnessing growing concerns about restrictions on what faculty can teach, what researchers can investigate, and what scholars can publicly discuss.
What happens to nursing science when researchers begin questioning whether certain topics are too controversial to investigate?
What happens to our commitment to health equity when discussions about race, gender, sexual orientation, and social determinants of health become politically contentious?
And perhaps most importantly, what happens to the communities we serve when scientific inquiry becomes constrained by political ideology rather than guided by evidence?
These are not simply academic questions. They go directly to the heart of our professional responsibility as nurse scientists, educators, and healthcare leaders.
Research Funding: Another Reason to Pay Attention
Equally concerning are the ongoing legal challenges surrounding federal research funding.
In September, reports emerged of researchers pursuing legal action against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over grant-funding decisions.
Regardless of where one stands politically, the implications of uncertainty surrounding federal research funding deserve our attention. Research programs require stability, transparency, and fair processes. Disruptions can affect not only established investigators but also doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, early-stage researchers, and the communities whose health challenges remain understudied.
For an organization like WIN, whose mission centers on advancing nursing research, these developments cannot simply be someone else's concern.
We must remain informed, engaged, and willing to advocate for the integrity of scientific inquiry and the resources necessary to sustain it.
Encouraging News: New Investments in Behavioral Health
Not all the news surrounding federal funding is discouraging.
In September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced more than $42 million in awards to advance its Treatment First model.
This investment creates an important opportunity to examine how behavioral health and substance-use treatment services are delivered, evaluated, and improved.
Nurses have a vital role in behavioral health, addiction treatment, recovery support, community health, and the integration of behavioral and physical healthcare. These are areas where nursing research can contribute meaningfully to evaluating interventions, identifying disparities, improving outcomes, and ensuring that services reach those who need them most.
I hope our members will continue exploring opportunities to contribute their expertise to these critical areas of healthcare.
Our profession should not simply respond to changes in healthcare policy. We should be helping to shape the evidence that informs those policies.
Bellevue 2027: Let's Make This a Celebration Like No Other!
Now, on to something that truly excites me!
Our 60th Anniversary Conference is shaping up to be an extraordinary celebration of WIN's past, present, and future.
And I have made no secret of my desire to make this conference a little different from what you might traditionally expect!
Yes, we will continue to showcase outstanding nursing scholarship, research, education, and evidence-based practice. But I also want Bellevue to be a place where we experience new ideas, build unexpected collaborations, explore emerging technologies, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate our accomplishments.
And yes, we are planning a special anniversary dance celebration!
After 60 years, I think WIN has earned the opportunity to let its hair down and celebrate!
But creating this experience will require something from all of us.
We Need Your Help: Conference Vendors and Sponsors!
One of our priorities is expanding our network of conference exhibitors, vendors, corporate partners, and sponsors.
Imagine walking into an exhibit hall featuring organizations representing nursing education, clinical practice, scientific research, healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, simulation, and emerging clinical technologies.
Imagine opportunities to interact with companies developing the very tools that may transform how we educate nurses, conduct research, and deliver patient care.
Why shouldn't WIN become a place where nursing science and healthcare innovation come together in exciting new ways?
We are actively seeking organizations interested in supporting our 60th Anniversary Conference through exhibit participation, sponsorships, educational partnerships, and special event support.
Perhaps your organization or one of your corporate partners would be interested in sponsoring a luncheon, supporting student participation, or even hosting our anniversary gala dance celebration!
Do you have professional or corporate relationships that might help us make these ideas a reality?
We need your connections!
Please share potential sponsor and vendor referrals with a WIN Board member or Bo Perry. You do not need to negotiate an agreement or make a financial commitment on anyone's behalf. An introduction may be all it takes to open the door to an exciting new partnership.
We are also discussing the possibility of establishing future recognition awards for businesses and organizations that demonstrate meaningful and sustained support for WIN and the advancement of nursing science.
What a wonderful opportunity to create relationships that extend far beyond a single conference!
Sixty Years Is Just the Beginning
As I reflect on these developments—from academic freedom and research funding to new opportunities for innovation and collaboration—I am reminded that professional organizations like WIN have an increasingly important role to play.
We are more than an annual conference.
We are a community of scholars, educators, practitioners, students, and leaders whose collective expertise can help influence the future of nursing science.
Our Special Interest Groups, committees, emerging collaborations with other regional nursing research organizations, and growing opportunities for year-round engagement are all part of building a stronger WIN.
But none of this happens without you.
So, as we approach our 60th Anniversary, I am asking you to do more than simply save the dates for Bellevue.
Bring your research. Bring your colleagues. Bring your students. Bring your ideas. Bring your professional connections. And most importantly, bring your enthusiasm for what WIN can become!
I want our 60th Anniversary to be remembered not only as an extraordinary celebration of where we have been, but also as the moment we began imagining, together, what the next 60 years could look like.
Because while we have much to celebrate, our most important contributions to nursing science may still be ahead of us.
See you in Bellevue, April 6–9, 2027!
Austin Nation, PhD, RN, PHN, NE-BC
President
Western Institute of Nursing
Dr. Nation invites you to promote the 2027 WIN Conference with the following media:
2027 WIN Conference Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus
WIN's 60th Conference Anniversary Email Badge
WIN Virtual Meeting Background Slide