Editorial

Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.Sup / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30iSup.508 / e00508

Networks of knowledge: nursing science and global impact

Cristiane Rodrigues da Rocha1*

1 Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5658-0353

* Corresponding author: cristiane.r.rocha@unirio.br

How to cite this article: da Rocha, CR. Networks of knowledge: nursing science and global impact. Pensar Enf [Internet]. 2026 Jan-Dec; 30(Sup): e00508.

Available from: https://doi.org/10.71861/pensarenf.v30iSup.508

The International Meeting of PhD Students in Nursing, organised by the University of Lisbon and the Lisbon

School of Nursing, with the support of the Tordesillas Doctoral College of Nursing, has established itself as a

leading forum for fostering innovation and scientific knowledge in line with the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs). The significance of this event lies in its ability to bring together international collaborative

networks, connecting researchers from countries as diverse as Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Angola and Finland. This

global synergy enables the doctoral students’ scientific output to transcend academic boundaries, engaging with

global issues and offering potential solutions to complex problems. From discussions on the responsible use

of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to promote sustainable health, to reflections on cultural competencies to provide

truly humanised care, the event emphasises a scientific perspective that prioritises ethics, equity and social

impact.

The programme was designed to foster meaningful exchanges of ideas and the creation of lasting partnerships.

In the morning, the opening lecture, “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Health: Competence, Impacts and

Infrastructure”, was delivered by Prof. Laura-Maria Peltonen of the University of Turku, who presented a

comprehensive overview of the possibilities and limitations of AI in healthcare, nursing education and people’s

everyday lives. By addressing digital skills, critical evaluation of evidence and infrastructure requirements, the

conference emphasised strategies for incorporating emerging technologies in a safe, responsible manner centred

on citizen’s needs.

In the afternoon, the round-table discussion “Innovation and Knowledge in Nursing” brought together experts

from various fields, fostering a diverse and constructive dialogue. At this round-table discussion, I, Prof. Dr

Cristiane Rodrigues da Rocha, from the Alfredo Pinto School of Nursing at the Federal University of Rio de

Janeiro, Brazil, took part as a guest expert alongside three other speakers: Prof. Dr Sara Campagna, from the

University of Turin; Prof. Dr Mateja Lorber, from the University of Maribor; and Prof. Dr Alain Junger, from

Lausanne University Hospital, who offered contributions that enriched perspectives on research, the

application of evidence, leadership in health services and the role of scientific studies in sustainable

development goals. This forum for discussion brought together global trends, practical experiences and

strategies to establish innovation as a daily practice in clinical, community and educational settings.

The poster presentation rooms were guided by the thematic themes of the main programme, complementarily

integrating the knowledge of the speakers and PhD students. This edition features studies investigating AI in

various healthcare contexts, with the aim of understanding and using it responsibly, whilst keeping in mind the

SDGs and the essential role of human interaction in nursing care. In addition to artificial intelligence, the

thematic rooms highlighted the modernisation of care from different perspectives. In Room 01, the papers

addressed digital literacy, health literacy and sustainable practices, suggesting solutions to current issues related

to health and social dimensions. Room 02 focused on clinical practices and the carer’s experience, addressing

issues of safety, quality and support for families. In Room 03, care practice and scientific innovation stood out,

focusing on person-centred care and family involvement, producing evidence that supports health policies and

improves quality of life. Finally, in Room 04, research contributed to self-care for cancer patients, the

management of chronic diseases and the promotion of mental health, emphasising interventions focused on

the individual.

This issue therefore invites readers to explore scientific research from various countries, each with its own

unique experience, which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. This reinforces the collective

commitment of many countries to people’s health and well-being.