Take your nursing career to new heights
Take your nursing career to new heights
Are you ready to embark on an exciting research journey and contribute to the ever-growing pool of essential nursing knowledge? The Emerging Research Leader Program (ERLP) empowers nurses to develop vital research skills, secure grants, and publish groundbreaking findings.
The ACN Emerging Research Leader Program empowers nurses to embark on a research journey that will shape the future of nursing and health care. By fostering research skills, we ensure that nursing practice remains at the cutting edge, providing person-centred care for all.
Interested in becoming an ACN Research Mentor?
After another successful year, ACN is excited to launch into our third year of the Emerging Research Leader Program in 2026.
This 9-month program empowers nurses to embark on an exciting research journey. By fostering research skills, we can keep nursing practice and healthcare at the cutting edge.
Research Mentors are an important component of the program, giving our Emerging Research Leaders support from an experienced Mentor throughout their program.
To become an ACN Research Mentor, you should meet one or more of the following criteria:
- PhD
- Track record of research publications, research project completion, and grant submission/success.
- Research active, indicated by a current or recently completed research project.
- Two or more research publications in peer reviewed journals over the previous 12 months.
- Capacity to meet with participant regularly (e.g., every two/three weeks).
How to apply
Interested in making a difference? ACN invites interested Fellows and Members that have relevant experience to forward expressions of interest outlining your expectations of a mentoring partnership and your ability to fulfil this role. In addition, please include a brief CV to leadership@acn.edu.au by Friday, 12 December 2025.
What awaits you
At the ACN Institute of Leadership, we believe nurturing research skills is crucial for advancing nursing practice and health care. This program offers a unique opportunity to develop essential research skills, secure grants, and publish your findings, all while receiving personalised mentorship and support.
Develop vital research skills
Gain the knowledge needed to kickstart your research endeavours and effectively identify, conduct, interpret, and apply research.
Personalised mentorship
Experience one-on-one support from a dedicated research mentor who will guide you every step of the way.
Expert-led workshops
Participate in three interactive workshops led by research experts designed to ignite your passion.
Research project mastery
Gain insights into research project management, including literature reviews and small-scale research projects.
Collaboration skills
Learn how to thrive in research teams and harness the collective power of innovation.
ACN and ACN Foundation - Paving the way to a brighter future
We’re on a mission to shape the future of nursing knowledge and evidence-based nursing practice, and we’re doing it through the groundbreaking Emerging Research Leader Program (ERLP).
Commitment to success
Our program spans a dynamic 9 months of discovery, mentorship, and practical research skill development. It comes with the added support of a generous grant from the ACN Foundation.
Ready to shape the future of nursing and elevate your own career along the way? Join us, and together, we’ll make waves in the world of nursing research!
2025 scholarship recipients
What does the program involve?
The program spans a dynamic nine months of discovery, mentorship, and practical research skill development. It requires a commitment of at least 10 hours per week. As an Emerging Research Leader, you will actively participate in the program, which includes:
Mastering nursing research principles
Uncover the secrets of effective nursing research from the get-go.
Exploring the world of evidence
Learn how to find and harness the most compelling evidence.
Synthesis literature
Piece together the puzzle of literature synthesis like a pro.
Manage research projects
Take charge of your research endeavours with expert project management skills.
Understand ethics in research
Discover the ethical path to responsible and impactful research.
Collecting and analysing data
Get hands-on with data collection and analysis, making your research come alive.
Sharing your discoveries
Learn how to share your findings with the world effectively.
Influence future research
Harness the potential of your research to make a real impact.
Program outcomes
On successful completion of the Emerging Research Leader Program, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid grasp of nursing research fundamentals.
- Craft research questions that address real-world challenges.
- Distinguish between different research design approaches.
- Interpret the ethical and legal aspects of being a nurse researcher.
- Critique and synthesise research evidence.
- Share your discoveries with the world via impactful research publications.
Ready to shape the future of health research?
Apply now
The ACN Foundation offers fifteen scholarships for registered nurses to participate in the ACN Emerging Research Leader Program. Start your application now to take your nursing career to new heights.
Application deadline: 11:59pm AEDT, Monday 13 October 2025.
For more information or assistance with your application, contact us at leadership@acn.edu.au or call 1800 061 660.
Are you
A passionate nurse with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference?
Ready to take your nursing career to new heights by becoming a leader in nursing research?