UCLA Nursing Science & Innovation Conference brings together nursing leaders from across the country

Dr. Max Topaz giving his keynote presentation at the 2026 UCLA Nursing Science & innovation conference.
By UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing
1 min read

More than 250 nurses, researchers, educators, physicians, and healthcare leaders attended this year’s UCLA Nursing Science and Innovation Conference to explore how nurses are leveraging research, leadership, and emerging technologies to drive change in patient care.

Hosted by the UCLA Health Center for Nursing Excellence and the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, the conference centered on the theme “Nurse-Led Future: Nursing Intelligence in the Age of AI,” reflecting the growing influence of AI and innovation in nursing practice. With two keynote addresses, nearly 30 podium presentations, interactive exhibitions, and more than 50 poster presentations, participants engaged in discussions that emphasized the integration of clinical expertise with technological advancement, highlighting the importance of nursing’s role in shaping how emerging tools are used across healthcare settings. 

2 conference attendees wearing VR headsets and being helped by a demonstrator during an interactive exhibit at the conference.

The conference featured two prominent keynote speakers. Dr. Maxim Topaz of Columbia University delivered the opening keynote, focusing on the safe and effective integration of artificial intelligence into nursing care. His presentation emphasized the need to balance technological advancement with human-centered care and demonstrated the significant power and possibility of AI-use. 

Dr. Max Topaz giving his keynote presentation at the 2026 UCLA Nursing Science & innovation conference.
Dr. Maxim Topaz

The closing keynote was delivered by Dr. Olga Kagan, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy Nursing Association. Her presentation explored how innovative technologies can prepare a future-ready nursing workforce, addressing the need for adaptability, ongoing education, and leadership in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.

A crowd of conference attendees seated in the ballroom listening to Dr. Olga Kagan's keynote presentation.
Dr. Olga Kagan

Bringing together a sold-out crowd of engaged participants, the conference fostered a strong sense of community and reinforced nursing’s critical role in helping shape a more innovative and patient-focused healthcare system.

People's Choice Award Winners:

Podium Presentation Award Winner:
Ram Srinivasan, MD PhD, Faith Caube, OTRP, MMA, Ofonime Bleese, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ENP-C | Advancing Nursing Clinical Judgment: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Interactive Radiology Education in Nurse Practitioner Programs

Poster Presentation Award Winner:
Zealouie Hey M. De Guzman DNP, MSNed, RN, NPD-BC, CMGT-BC, PCCN, MEDSURG-BC, CV-BC,  Sarai Puga | UCLA Care Coordination, Centralizing Nursing Professional Development Through an Institutional Learning Management System to Standardize Onboarding and Competency Management in Care Coordination

Student Poster Award Winner:

Yousef T. Radwan, Charles J. Sedlock, Paul M. Macey, Lauren H. Furtick, UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing | Simtura.ai: AI-Driven Immersive Simulation to Strengthen Clinical Judgment and Decision-Making in Pre-Licensure Nursing Education

Thank you to this year’s sponsors: Sigma Gamma Tau at-Large Chapter, Relias, Teladoc Health, and TI-Innovation. 

See more photos below:

An attendee presenting his research to a seated audience.
Five poster presenters posing for a photo with their posters behind them.
UCLA Nursing's Gerardo Flores presenting his research to a seated audience.
Nusing student Jane Yun and assistant professor Kristi Westphaln with their poster presentation.