NERS NEWS— The second and final day of the 17th International Nursing Conference (INC) 2026, hosted by the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, highlighted the importance of research collaboration, professional development, and evidence-based nursing practice. Held at Hotel Bumi Surabaya on Sunday (July 12), the conference continued to bring together academics, healthcare professionals, researchers, and students from various countries to exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
The day’s program began with participant registration before continuing with the fourth plenary session. Prof. Linda Sweet from Deakin University opened the scientific discussions by emphasizing the importance of peer support in clinical practice. She explained that a supportive workplace culture plays a vital role in maintaining healthcare professionals’ well-being, reducing workplace stress, and ultimately improving the quality of patient care.
The discussion continued with Associate Professor Dr. M. Kamil Bin Che Hasan from the International Islamic University Malaysia, who presented strategies for transforming community musculoskeletal health through future-ready nursing, digital innovation, and global partnerships. He highlighted that technological advancement should be accompanied by stronger collaboration among healthcare institutions, educational organizations, and communities to improve healthcare accessibility. The plenary session concluded with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Rr. Tutik Sri Hariyati from Universitas Indonesia, who discussed the role of digital health systems and workforce performance management in enhancing healthcare quality across Indonesia. Together, the three presentations illustrated how innovation, leadership, and collaboration are shaping the future of nursing practice.
Following the plenary discussions, participants joined parallel oral presentation sessions held both onsite and online. Researchers, lecturers, healthcare practitioners, and students presented their latest studies covering diverse nursing topics, including clinical practice, nursing education, community health, healthcare management, and digital health innovation. The parallel sessions created opportunities for participants to receive constructive feedback, exchange scientific perspectives, and establish potential research partnerships across institutions and countries. Throughout the sessions, lively discussions reflected the participants’ enthusiasm for translating research findings into practical solutions for healthcare challenges.
The conference concluded with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Ika Nur Pratiwi, Chairperson of the 17th International Nursing Conference Organizing Committee. In her address, she expressed appreciation to the speakers, participants, committee members, and partner institutions whose contributions ensured the success of the two-day event. She also emphasized that the conference should not mark the end of collaboration, but rather become the starting point for stronger international partnerships in nursing education, research, and professional practice. As the event officially came to a close, participants left with new insights, expanded professional networks, and a shared commitment to advancing nursing through innovation, global collaboration, and sustainable workforce development.
Author: Olivia Bilqis Ayu Wijaya (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
Editor: Nasya Puspita Angraeni (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
