Introduction

Introduced in 2024, this award celebrates the commitment of the National Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions Societies to transforming knowledge into concrete actions that improve cardiovascular health outcomes. The first edition recognised not only the implementation of the ESC Guidelines and ACNAP documents, but also the measurable and sustainable impact of these actions on daily clinical practice. 

2026 Theme: Transforming Knowledge into action: the impact of multidisciplinary teamwork on clinical practice and ACNAP/ESC guidelines implementation.

We aim to recognise and celebrate outstanding collaboration between cardiovascular nurses and allied professionals who, together, have demonstrated excellence in delivering or advancing multidisciplinary care, educational strategies, and/or research that improves outcomes for people living with or at risk of cardiovascular disease.   

• We want to highlight initiatives that:
  • Promote real changes in patient care
  • Improve institutional protocols
  •  Promote evidence-based practices
  • Strengthen the multidisciplinary role of nurses and allied professionals

Who can participate?

This award is open to all nurses and allied professionals who are active members of their National Cardiovascular Nursing Society in their own country. 

How to apply?

Complete the application form by completing all the sections.

Application deadline: 30 March 2026, 23:59 CEST

Eligibility criteria 

• The project must be conducted by a multidisciplinary team (up to 10 people) and co-led by one nurse and one allied professional (please refer to the ESC list of allied professions )
• Both co-leads must hold an active ACNAP Membership at the time of application and be active members of their respective National Society.
• The project should clearly demonstrate effective collaboration between nurses and allied professionals.

First Place:

• Presentation of the project at a dedicated session during ACNAP Congress 2026
• One free registration to ACNAP Congress 2026
• Four free ACNAP Memberships for one year (or extended for 12 months if already a member) 

Second Place: 

• Presentation of the project at a dedicated session during ACNAP Congress 2026
• One free registration to ACNAP Congress 2026
• Two free ACNAP Memberships for one year (or extended for 12 months if already a member) 

Application process

• A Selection Committee will be appointed to review the applications according to the evaluation criteria (refer to application form).
• A representative from the first and second place teams will be invited to present their projects at ACNAP Congress 2026.
• Winners will be notified by May 2026 and awarded during the congress.

Important! At least one project lead must attend ACNAP Congress 2026 in Sophia Antipolis (France) on 12-13 June 2026 to receive the award and present the project.

If you have any questions, please contact acnap@escardio.org 

Why it is important to apply

The national cardiovascular societies play a crucial role in supporting best evidence-based practice, so don't miss the opportunity to apply for the award to give more visibility to the important work you are doing in your country. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference and inspire others!   

Winners 2024

First place: Mrs. Zoe McCrudden (Ireland): BNP and NT pro BNP guideline dissemination in Ireland 

Second place: Mrs. Rebecca Hyland (United Kingdom): BSH Nurse Forum Quality Improvement Project 

Stay connected

To know more about ACNAP follow us on Twitter/X @ACNAPPresident ; join our ACNAP groups on Facebook & LinkedIn and stay up-to-date on the ACNAP activities and latest news! 

If you want to contact us, send an email to acnap@escardio.org