Nursing Research Society Pakistan

02/10/2026

A huge congratulations to our own Dr. Ahtisham Younas, recipient of the 2026 Nursing Research Excellence Award from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN)!

This national distinction recognizes his contributions to nursing science, particularly his work to advance compassionate, person-centred care for underserved populations, including immigrants and refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.

Through his research, teaching and supervision, Ahtisham is helping prepare nursing students and emerging researchers to ask important questions, challenge inequities and improve health and care in our communities.

Reflecting on the award, Dr. Younas said:

“Receiving this competitive national award is an honour. The recognition is a reflection of the incredible teams, mentors, mentees, and community partners I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my research career so far. Grateful for the support, and excited to keep driving impactful nursing science forward!”

We're so proud of Ahtisham and grateful to the students, colleagues and community partners who share in this achievement. Congratulations!

Hear more from Dr. Younas on Nov. 20, when he joins Dr. Esther Monari for the Faculty of Nursing Academic Series to explore the workplace integration experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse internationally educated nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Learn more and register: https://www.mun.ca/nursing/research-and-innovation/events-and-workshops/

Learn more about the 2026 CASN award recipients: https://www.casn.ca/membership/volunteer-engage/casn-awards

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing CASN
Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador

20/05/2026

Many congratulations to Amara Sundus for receiving Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Doctoral Scholarhsip.

History-making Memorial Nursing researcher Amara Sundus is helping shape a more inclusive future for health-care in Canada.

Today, May 17 – the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) – highlights the importance of dignity, inclusion and safer spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our communities and health-care systems.

Amara recently became the first doctoral student in Faculty of Nursing history to receive a prestigious Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Doctoral Research Award through the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral Program. CIHR is Canada’s federal health research agency, and the award recognizes exceptional research potential, leadership and academic excellence.

Supervised by the faculty's Dr. Ahtisham Younas, Amara’s research focuses on creating more inclusive and person-centred care for transgender individuals.

“To me, the power of nursing lies not only in caring for people during difficult moments but also in advocating for changes that improve health and well-being on a broader level,” says Amara.

As National Nursing Week concludes and Pride Month approaches, her achievement reflects our commitment to equity, compassion and transformative research that helps strengthen health-care for all.

Upcoming Memorial Pride Month programming includes “Pit Stop: The Trans Canada Tour and the Status of Trans Rights in Canada” on June 4 featuring Dr. Victoria Bucholtz and Fae Johnstone.

Explore Nursing at Memorial University:
https://www.mun.ca/nursingadmissions/

Pride Month at Memorial:
https://mun.ca/edi-ar/events/pride-month/



Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism at Memorial University
Memorial University Future Students (Undergraduate)
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA-AIIC)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research