Aster DM Healthcare has launched the sixth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2027, inviting registered nurses from across the world to showcase their contributions to healthcare and compete for a grand prize of USD 250,000. The award recognises nursing professionals whose dedication, leadership and innovations improve patient care, strengthen healthcare systems and positively impact communities.
Global nominations open until December 31, 2026
The award welcomes registered nurses worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to nursing and healthcare. Applicants can choose their areas of professional nursing experience and share their achievements through case-study questions highlighting their work and impact.
The award recognises contributions across five key areas: Patient Care, Nursing Education, Social and Community Service in Healthcare/Public Health, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare, and Nursing Leadership and Administration.
Importantly, nurses can submit their applications in their preferred language through the official website, www.asterguardians.com, until December 31, 2026.
Global recognition for nursing excellence
Over the years, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has developed into an international platform celebrating nursing excellence, dedication and innovation. The 2026 edition received more than 134,000 registrations from 214 countries and economies, demonstrating its growing global reach.
Furthermore, Ernst & Young LLP (EY) will independently manage the multi-stage evaluation process, while an esteemed Grand Jury comprising internationally recognised healthcare leaders will oversee the selection. Following the assessment, the top 10 finalists will be shortlisted and invited to compete for the award. The global awards ceremony is scheduled for May 2027, in line with International Nurses Day.
Aster highlights the importance of recognising nurses
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said the award was established to recognise nurses not only for the care they provide but also for their contributions to healthcare innovation, stronger healthcare systems and community development.
He highlighted that the response to the previous five editions demonstrated the significant role nurses play in healthcare, while many of their contributions often remain unrecognised. The sixth edition aims to bring these achievements to the forefront and provide deserving nursing professionals with greater recognition and encouragement.
Previous editions celebrate nursing leaders worldwide
Dr. Azad Moopen instituted the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in 2021 to recognise the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. Since its inception, the award has honoured nursing professionals from different countries for their exceptional work.
The inaugural award, held in Dubai in May 2022, went to Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya. In 2023, Nurse Margaret Helen Shepherd from the UK received the recognition, followed by Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines in the third edition. Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana won the fourth edition in May 2025.
The fifth edition, held in Kochi, India, in 2026, recognised Dr. Agimol Pradeep from the United Kingdom, Senior Transplant Coordinator at King’s College Hospital and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford. She was recognised for her efforts to address healthcare inequalities, including co-founding the Upahaar initiative, which has registered more than 10,000 stem cell donors.
As per the company press release, the sixth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award aims to recognise outstanding nursing contributions worldwide and encourage professionals to share their achievements in advancing patient care and healthcare delivery.