Congratualtions to our 2026 Congress Award Recipients
One of the highlights of Congress each year is the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of cancer nurses through various Congress Awards.
These awards acknowledge excellence across research, innovation, education and clinical practice, showcasing the remarkable work being undertaken by cancer nurses both in Australia and internationally. The quality of presentations and posters this year reflected the depth of expertise, leadership and commitment within our profession, making the judging process exceptionally difficult.
We are delighted to congratulate the recipients of this year's awards.
Emma Cohen Award for Best First-Time Presenter
Winner: Jamila Adeva - From inpatient to outpatient: A CNC-led model optimising pancreatic cancer diagnostic care
Named in honour of the late Emma Cohen, this award recognises excellence among first-time Congress presenters and celebrates emerging leaders in cancer nursing. Emma was a highly respected cancer nurse, educator, mentor and leader whose passion, generosity and commitment to advancing cancer nursing left a lasting impact on colleagues and the profession.
The award includes a $5,000 grant to support a research, education or clinical development initiative, helping recipients continue their professional growth and contribute to the future of cancer nursing. Through this award, Emma's legacy continues to inspire and support the next generation of cancer nursing leaders.
Best Paper Award
Winner: Lauren Smith – Integrating Coordinated Informal Care into Supportive, Patient-Centred Cancer Care
The Best Paper Award recognises excellence in oral presentation and celebrates research, innovation and practice improvement that contributes to advancing cancer care and outcomes for patients.
Best Poster Award
Winner: Tara Dehm – Enhancing Multidisciplinary Prehabilitation: The Value of a Dedicated Prehabilitation Nurse – A Practice-Based Case Study
The Best Poster Award recognises excellence in the presentation of research, quality improvement and innovation through the Congress poster program.
Congratulations to all award recipients, runners-up and presenters who shared their work throughout Congress. Your dedication to improving cancer care through research, education and clinical leadership continues to strengthen our profession and inspire colleagues across Australia and around the world.
We also extend our thanks to the judges who generously contributed their time and expertise to reviewing submissions and selecting this year's recipients.
We look forward to following the ongoing impact of these projects, presentations and initiatives, and celebrating future achievements across the cancer nursing community.