Dr Elizabeth Rooney, Lecturer in Specialist Nursing at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), is the winner of this year’s Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Professional Bursary Scheme Impact Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in advanced nursing scholarship, leadership and research.

The accolade was received at the annual RCN Foundation Impact Awards ceremony, held on 21 September in London.

Elizabeth said: “This award is really special, the highlight of my career.”

The award recognises Elizabeth’s significant contribution to nursing research and practice through her work in HIV prevention.

Elizabeth has been lecturing at UWS since 2021 and was supported by the RCN Foundation grant to undertake a professional doctorate which she completed in 2025.

Her research addresses critical gaps in understanding patient experiences of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) – a prescription drug people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex.

In sexual health, people are discussing personal circumstances, and I was aware of the importance of being approachable and being non-judgemental. That’s what my research focussed on.

Dr Elizabeth Rooney

“In sexual health, people are discussing personal circumstances, and I was aware of the importance of being approachable and being non-judgemental. That’s what my research focussed on.

“It was the lived experience of patients, how they negotiated their relationships and what life was like for them. Without the RCN Foundation grant, I wouldn’t have done the doctorate. I wouldn’t be in this post as lecturer now.”

Having worked in sexual health for nearly 20 years, Elizabeth was working as an advanced clinical nurse specialist when she felt drawn to the research process and wished to expand her career.

The RCN Foundation funded Elizabeth’s doctorate fees, which she says she would not have been able to afford otherwise. She described the grant as a “game-changer”.

Choosing to undertake my doctorate at UWS gave me access to great support, particularly from my lead supervisor, whose knowledge and unwavering encouragement were invaluable, especially during challenging times. One of the best decisions I made was to complete my doctorate at UWS and I am now proud to be part of the team.

Dr Elizabeth Rooney

Elizabeth said: "Choosing to undertake my doctorate at UWS gave me access to great support, particularly from my lead supervisor, whose knowledge and unwavering encouragement were invaluable, especially during challenging times.

"One of the best decisions I made was to complete my doctorate at UWS and I am now proud to be part of the team."

The RCN said Elizabeth’s research is addressing tangible improvements in clinical services – from communication and confidentiality to accessibility and adherence.

Elizabeth hopes to pass on what she has learned by publishing her research in peer-reviewed journals and would like to continue with future research.