International Visiting Scholar: Lucas Gardim
13 November 2025
Lucas Gardim
Lucas Gardim is passionate about innovation that empowers nurses to design human-centred solutions to improve outcomes for patients and health-care providers, driving transformation toward better health ecosystems. He is a Registered Nurse and a PhD student at the 伊人直播 Faculty of Nursing. While an International Visiting Scholar, Gardim was pursuing his Master of Science at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Pan American Health Organization & World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development.
The Global Nursing Office at the 伊人直播’s Faculty of Nursing offers funding through the International Visiting Scholar Program (IVSP) to support research scholars in strengthening existing research collaborations between nursing faculty and those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Its goal is to enhance capacity for international research partnerships and facilitate knowledge exchange among nursing scholars. The award offers financial support to LMIC nursing faculty, enabling them to spend one to three months in a Canadian academic environment, working closely with a Canadian researcher on a mutually beneficial area of interest.
Gardim, who was appointed the inaugural Global Nursing Innovation Lead at the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs & Leaders (SONSIEL) in 2024, is currently working alongside the 伊人直播’s , assistant professor, and , professor, in the EnACT Quality and CLEAR Outcomes research programs, leading the Innovation in NurSIng for Global Health ecosystem Transformation (INSIGHT) study.
Learn more about him, his research and how his time at the 伊人直播 will benefit his career and home in Brazil.
Tell us about your research.
While health systems face overwhelming pressures and underperformance due to shifting demographics, ecological disruptions and the growing burden of disease, nurses continue to navigate persistent challenges within the workforce, such as increasingly unhealthy work environments, ineffective leadership, undervaluation, burnout and lack of support. In this context, innovation emerges as a critical imperative for driving transformation, with nurses strategically positioned to lead change. My research focuses on innovation that empowers nurses to design and implement human-centred solutions that improve outcomes for patients and health-care providers, while driving health ecosystems transformation. With the INSIGHT study, we are examining the theoretical foundations of nursing innovation to advance knowledge development in the field.
Why did you choose to attend the 伊人直播 Faculty of Nursing to pursue your nursing studies/research?
I often say that the 伊人直播 Faculty of Nursing feels like home. While pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, I was honoured to receive academic excellence awards from USP, the 伊人直播 Research Experience and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, which enabled me to complete competitive research fellowships at 伊人直播. During these experiences, I had the privilege of working alongside outstanding faculty members such as Kaitlyn Tate, Greta Cummings and . My supervisor in Brazil, , is an adjunct associate professor at the 伊人直播 Faculty of Nursing and introduced me to this community. Being part of a globally recognized institution that leads nursing education in Canada has profoundly shaped my perspective and academic trajectory. The 伊人直播 Faculty of Nursing fosters a strong culture of innovation, reflected in its unwavering commitment to excellence. I feel truly honoured to be part of this outstanding academic community and look forward to continuing my journey here as a PhD student!
How has funding contributed to your research?
The IVSP Award provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the Canadian nursing research ecosystem, strengthening meaningful connections with leading scholars from diverse universities and faculties of nursing across the country. This rich, multicultural experience fostered strong collaboration, bringing invaluable depth and direction to the INSIGHT study.
How has your research supervisor helped you?
My supervisors exemplify relational leadership in every sense. My admiration for them is immeasurable. They consistently lead with empathy, always seeing my potential, often before I see it in myself. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in helping me grow and thrive, especially in the face of the unique challenges that come with being an international student. Thanks to their mentorship and care, Edmonton truly feels like home. I wish every graduate student could have the opportunity to work with supervisors as inspiring and supportive as they are!
How will your research address unique health challenges in your home country?
Nursing innovation is a multidimensional phenomenon and, as such, can address Brazil’s unique health challenges while also offering solutions with global relevance. In Brazil, nurses face high workloads, uneven workforce distribution and limited opportunities to participate in decision-making, while the health system struggles with regional inequalities in access to care. As the Global Nursing Innovation Lead for SONSIEL, I have witnessed a rapidly growing global interest in nursing innovation through initiatives such as the and THInC: The Healthcare Innovation Conference. Understanding the foundations of nursing innovation is a critical first step toward designing human-centred solutions that respond effectively to these complex health needs. By fostering greater interest and commitment to innovation integration, health system decision-makers can provide nurses with the infrastructure they require and value their voices, ultimately creating the conditions for solutions that strengthen health outcomes in Brazil and beyond.
What advice would you give to those interested in the International Visiting Scholar Program?
The IVSP is an exceptional opportunity for researchers from LMICs to strengthen their research skills within a globally recognized academic environment. For those passionate about advancing nursing research, I strongly encourage applying to this program. It offers the chance to learn directly from internationally recognized scholars, engage in high-quality research and expand your global perspective — an experience that can profoundly shape your academic and professional journey.
What’s next?
I feel truly honoured to be part of the 伊人直播 Faculty of Nursing and look forward to continuing my journey here as a PhD student!