President's Message

Gratitude, Momentum, and the Work Ahead

As I come to the close of my term as President of the Eastern Nursing Research Society, I find myself both reflective and deeply optimistic. Serving ENRS has been a privilege, not only because of the Society’s long-standing commitment to advancing nursing science, but because of the people who bring that mission to life every day. This community of scholars, mentors, leaders, and learners has shaped my experience in profound ways.

ENRS has a rich legacy as a home for nursing research across the eastern region and beyond. It is a place where many of us presented our first poster, found our first mentor outside our home institution, or discovered new ways of thinking about our science. As President, I have been mindful that leadership is not about bringing a chapter to a close, but about helping ensure that the next chapter is even stronger. What matters most is not only what we have accomplished together, but how well positioned ENRS is for the future.

Strength in Community and Scholarship

Over the past year, I have been continually impressed by the strength and engagement of our members. Our Research Interest Groups remain the heart of the Society. They serve as spaces where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are built, and scholars at every career stage find connection and support. The ongoing work to ensure that RIGs are vibrant, active, and aligned with emerging areas of inquiry reflects ENRS’s commitment to staying responsive and relevant.

At the same time, the Society’s sustained focus on inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility continues to shape who feels welcomed, supported, and empowered within our community. Supporting emerging and mid-career investigators has remained a central priority. The path of the nurse scientist is both exciting and demanding, and ENRS plays an essential role in helping scholars navigate that journey. This occurs not only through formal programming, but through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a strong professional home.

Nursing Science as a Catalyst for Impact

We are living in a moment when the importance of nursing science has never been clearer. Health inequities, workforce strain, chronic disease, technological change, and policy complexity are only a few of the challenges facing health care today. These require evidence that is grounded in practice, attentive to context, and focused on people and communities. Nursing science brings that perspective.

As a Society, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that our work is not only rigorous, but visible, connected, and used to inform decisions that shape care delivery and health outcomes. ENRS continues to serve as a platform where science is shared, questioned, strengthened, and ultimately positioned to make a difference in the real world.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Scientific Sessions and Beyond

This spirit of connection and impact will be reflected in the 2026 ENRS Scientific Sessions. The upcoming conference is being shaped as more than a venue for sharing findings. It is intended as a space for dialogue, learning, and momentum. Programming will include plenary sessions, paper and poster presentations, and skill-building opportunities that span the full research continuum, from discovery to translation and implementation. There will be intentional focus on scholarship addressing health equity, population health, workforce sustainability, and innovation, along with continued opportunities for early- and mid-career investigators to engage with experienced scholars, mentors, and leaders in the field. I encourage you to see the 2026 Sessions as an invitation to share your work, to learn from others, and to be part of shaping where nursing science goes next.

Leadership Transition and Continued Momentum

As ENRS looks ahead, leadership transition is an important part of sustaining momentum. I am delighted to pass the presidency to Ann-Margaret Navarra, whose commitment to nursing science, mentorship, and collaborative leadership will serve the Society well. I wish her every success as she steps into this role and look forward to supporting her and the Board as ENRS continues to grow and evolve.

I extend my sincere thanks to the ENRS Executive Board, committee members, Research Interest Group leaders, and our management partners for their dedication and service. And to the ENRS membership I would like to thank you for your scholarship, your engagement, and your belief in the power of nursing science to make a difference.

As I step out of the presidency, I do so with confidence in this community and excitement about what lies ahead. The future of nursing science depends on our continued curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to impact. ENRS is well positioned for that work, and I am grateful to have been part of this chapter with all of you.

Warm regards,

 

Marie Ann Marino, EdD, RN, FAAN
President, Eastern Nursing Research Society