In recognition of Nurses’ and Midwives’ leadership, knowledge, skill, and commitment to achieving best health and social outcomes, the World Health Assembly has deemed this year to be the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. The pandemic has brought nurses and midwives into the spotlight and the World Health Organisation is calling for governments around the world to support and invest in nurses and midwives.

ACTA would like to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of Nurses and Midwives who play a critical role on the frontline of our health care system. A big thank you to those who work tirelessly to care for us.

In Australia, a new clinical trial network for Nurses and Midwives is emerging. The establishment of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Research Network (ANMCRN) is being led by Prof Marion Eckert, a professor at the University of South Australia, and Director of the Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre.

An Australasian Clinical Research Network will add significant benefit to the research development, dissemination and implementation of nurse- or midwife-led research. It will also provide research leadership opportunities, including trial education. It will assist with the cross-fertilisation of ideas, increase collaborations, and foster large multi-site research initiatives.

ACTA has been assisting with the establishment of this network.