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NPIAP Awards

Celebrate Accomplishments with NPIAP’s Awards

The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) is proud to offer several exceptional awards honoring individuals that have made significant contributions in the pressure injury field. Nominations must be submitted by current NPIAP Panel Members or Supporters*, however award recipients do NOT need to be an NPIAP Panel Members or Supporters.


The 2026 Award application deadline has been extended to Thursday, November 30! Please refer to the instructions and guideline document below on how to submit your application for the 2026 awards. 

How Do I Apply?

NPIAP issues a call for nominations for these awards. Nominations must be submitted by current NPIAP Panel Members or Supporters*. Please click here to review the available awards and the guideline document for 2026.

If you would like to nominate someone, you will need to write a nomination letter for them to include in their application.

You will be asked to submit the following as a part of your application:

  • Nominator contact information
  • Nominee contact information
  • Nominee headshot
  • Nomination letter
  • Nominee's current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

*Nominations for the Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I) Outstanding Service Award are submitted by members of S3I.

Submit an Application Here!

 

Review and Selection Process

Please submit all application materials by Thursday, October 30, at noon CT. The NPIAP Awards Taskforce* will review your application materials to select the award recipient. 

*Nominations for the Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I) Outstanding Service Award are reviewed by S3I leadership.

For help with any questions regarding your submission, please contact NPIAP Customer Services Office@npiap.com for assistance.

 

The Janet Cuddigan Research Award

The Janet Cuddigan Clinical Research Award, established in 2023, is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to the prevention and/or treatment of pressure injuries. Named in honor of Janet Cuddigan, this award recognizes her pivotal contributions to advancing evidence-based research in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the foundational framework for the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. This recognition is based on their efforts in generating and disseminating new research that will substantially influence the foundational elements of future clinical practice guidelines.

Presented biennially (even years)

The Joyce Black Award

The NPIAP Joyce Black Award, inaugurated in 2025, recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to advancing pressure injury evidence-based practice through educational initiatives. Disseminating evidence-based knowledge is essential for integrating research into clinical practice and enhancing patient outcomes. This recognition highlights exemplary efforts in sharing new and existing research through various educational platforms, including publications, presentations, podcasts, social media campaigns, or national awareness efforts. Named in honor of Dr. Joyce Black, the award celebrates her pivotal role in expanding NPIAP's mission and promoting pressure injury awareness through diverse educational media.

Presented biennially (even years)

JoAnn Maklebust Lifetime Achievement Award

Established in 2013, the NPIAP JoAnn Maklebust Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor and memory of NPIAP Alumna JoAnn Maklebust. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the NPIAP and to the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries.

Awarded biennially (odd years)

Kosiak Award

The NPIAP Kosiak Laboratory Research Award, established in 1991, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the prevention and/or treatment of pressure injuries through their leadership in research, education, and/or patient care. This award is named in honor of Dr. Michael Kosiak, acknowledging his seminal work on the etiology of pressure injuries.

Awarded biennially (odd years)

The President’s Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions and dedication to NPIAP’s mission. This award does not have an application, as it is awarded at the president’s discretion.

Roberta S. Abruzzese Visionary Student Award

The NPIAP Roberta S. Abruzzese Visionary Student Award, established in 2021, is intended to recognize a student demonstrating interest and potential in the field of pressure injury research, treatment, prevention, or education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Roberta S. Abruzzese for her contributions to promoting educational initiatives related to pressure injury management. This award is granted to students showing interest and promise in pressure injury research, treatment, prevention, or education.

Travel funds are awarded based on reimbursement of expenses, not exceeding $1,500.

Presented biennially (even years)

Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I)

Inaugurated in 2023, the Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I) Outstanding Service Award honors exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the mission of S3I. This prestigious recognition is reserved for those who have made significant contributions over the years, shaping the future of S3I through their expertise, commitment, and service.

S3I members can put forth nominations for this award. This is not an annual or biennial award, but rather a selection by service award.

Thomas Stewart Founder's Award

Established in 2003, the NPIAP Thomas Stewart Public Policy Founder's Award is granted to individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of pressure injury prevention and treatment, with a focus on public policy. This esteemed award symbolizes NPIAP’s enduring commitment to positively influence public policy for the advancement of pressure injury prevention, treatment, education, and patient care.

Awarded biennially (odd years)

 

2025 Recipients

  • Michele Deppisch , PT CWS FACCWS – President’s Award Recipient

  • Laurie McNichol, MSN RN CNS GNP CWOCN CWON-AP FAAN – The JoAnn Maklebust Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Janet Cuddigan, PhD RN CWCN FAAN - The Kosiak Award

  • Ann Marie Nie, PhD MSN FNP-BC CWOCN WOCNF – The Janet Cuddigan Research Award

  • Virginia Capasso, PhD CNP CNS CWS FACCWS FAAN – The Thomas Stewart Founder’s Award

  • Joyce M. Black, PhD RN FAAN – The Joyce Black Award

NPIAP award winners

 

See Previous Year Recipients

 

How to Apply For an Award

NPIAP issues a call for nominations for these awards. Nominations must be submitted by current NPIAP Panel Members or Supporters*. If you would like to nominate someone, you will need to write a nomination letter for them to include in their application.

You will be asked to submit the following as a part of your application:

  • Nominator contact information
  • Nominee contact information
  • Nominee headshot
  • Nomination letter
  • Nominee's current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

*Nominations for the Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I) Outstanding Service Award are submitted by members of S3I.

Review and Selection Process

The NPIAP Awards Taskforce will review your application materials to select the award recipient. 

*Nominations for the Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I) Outstanding Service Award are reviewed by S3I leadership.

For help with any questions regarding your submission, please contact NPIAP Customer Services Office@npiap.com for assistance.

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