About


The Interdisciplinary Research Group on Nursing Issues (IRGNI) Rising Star Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an early career researcher in health services research relevant to nursing practice, workforce and education.

Note: Nominees must be within 5 years of their terminal degree.

The 2024 Nomination Period is now open until Monday, April 15th!

Application Instructions


To apply, applicants must upload and submit a completed online application form, including in the submission:

  1. One nomination letter from supervisors, mentors, or colleagues that include the discussion of how the nominee meets each award criterion:
    • Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion
    • Innovation & Originality
    • Professional Development
    • Research Productivity
    • Research Quality & Significance
  2. Nominee’s Curriculum Vitae
  3. Short nominee bio (3-4 sentences) and headshot 

2023 Rising Star Awardee


Rebecca Clark Headshot

Rebecca Clark, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNM, WHNP-BC

Assistant Professor of Perinatal Nursing, Midwifery, and Women's Health - University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Rebecca R. S. Clark, PhD, RN is a nurse, midwife, and health services researcher whose long-term career goal is to transform inpatient maternity care in the United States. She believes that system-level change is crucial to improving birth equity and outcomes in the United States. Read Bio

For awards related questions, please contact Alexandra Ade.