Ambition to Success is a transformative initiative designed to empower the next generation of nursing and midwifery leaders. Spearheaded by Dr Gary Mitchell MBE, Director of Postgraduate Taught Education at the School, and Mr Kieran McCormick, Honorary Lecturer, the programme marked a significant milestone in the professional development of 25 outstanding students.

Over the course of nine months, participants engaged in a series of eight bespoke evening workshops, held at Queen’s Medical Biology Centre. These interactive sessions provided students with the opportunity to explore leadership, advocacy, innovation, and social impact through collaborative group projects. The culmination of their work was a Celebration Expo, held in May 2025, to coincide with International Nurses’ Day ad International Midwives’ Day.

“Ambition to Success is not just about developing leaders,” said Dr Gary Mitchell. “It’s about enabling our students to define and pursue their own vision of success, underpinned by compassion, courage, and creativity in care.”

To ensure personalised learning and mentorship, places on the programme were limited to 30 students, with 25 ultimately completing the full course. Participants had the chance to learn from some of the most senior and influential voices in health and care, including Professor Kenda Crozier (Head of School), Professor Maria McIlgorm (Chief Nursing Officer, NI), Professor Linda Kelly (Chief Executive, NIPEC), and Professor Rita Devlin (RCN NI), among others.

The heart of the programme was the group campaign projects, which demonstrated the power of student-led innovation. Each group was coached by academic or professional mentors, with their work showcased at the final Expo, judged by a panel of healthcare leaders and voted on by attendees.

 

Highlights from the Campaigns

Glucose Gurus
Led by Dr Steph Craig, this campaign aimed to enhance diabetes education for older adults through the development of an interactive e-learning programme. Piloted with over 200 student nurses and 100 care home staff, the project recorded statistically significant improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy. The resource has since been presented at both the RCN Congress in Liverpool and Queen’s Care Home Conference, with two research manuscripts currently under review. Student Grace Crolly Burton made history by becoming the first undergraduate nurse from Northern Ireland to receive an Evidence Synthesis Ireland Scholarship. This team was honoured with the Ambition Award.

 

Brain Health is Public Health
Coached by Elizabeth Henderson and supported by Professor Christine Brown Wilson, PhD students Lana Cook and Tara Anderson, this team developed a one-minute digital serious game to promote brain health awareness. Played by over 500 users in more than 40 countries, the game demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge and behaviour intentions. Their compelling project earned them the People’s Choice Award at the Expo.

Inhale the Truth
This local-impact campaign, led by Laura Creighton, focused on smoking and vaping awareness. In partnership with the Public Health Agency and supported by Melvin Bell, the team developed a serious game launched on No Smoking Day. Endorsed by the Health Minister for Northern Ireland, Mike Nesbitt, and now disseminated through schools, pharmacies and hospitals, this campaign won the Impact Award for its potential for policy and practice change.

 

Keeping Pets and People Together When It Matters Most
Under the guidance of Mark Dornan and in partnership with Rosie’s Trust, this initiative supported chronically ill individuals to keep their pets. The campaign raised more than £600 and educated student nurses about the therapeutic value of pets. Third-year student Niamh Nixon received the Rising Star Award for her outstanding leadership and advocacy.

Reimagining Restrictive Practice Education
This thought-provoking campaign, coached by Paul McAleer, tackled the sensitive topic of restrictive practices in healthcare education. The team collaborated with Rosaline Kelly (RCN) and Oonagh McCloy (QUB Simulation Lead) to propose an updated simulation-based curriculum. Their work resulted in practical tools for students, including ‘Three Steps to Positive Practice’ cards. Meghan McCann was recognised with the Peer Support Award for her leadership in this area.

 

 

A Celebration of Ambition

The Celebration Event was attended by over 80 delegates, including healthcare leaders, mentors, family members, and supporters. In addition to project showcases, the evening honoured all 25 graduating students with certificates of participation and Queen’s University’s prestigious Future-Ready Award.

“This programme has shown that when students are given time, support and a voice, they will rise to the challenge and beyond,” said Mr Kieran McCormick. “These are the leaders, advocates, and changemakers of tomorrow.”

Congratulations to the 2025 Graduates:

Jessica Adams, Emma Weir, Lara Cowan, Grace Crolly-Burton, Abbie Brown, Rebecca Watkins, Louise O'Hara, Mary May Holland, Charity Boakye, Leanne Boyle, Emma Gilligan, Dana Stott, Graham Gibson, Michelle Gillen, Bijaya Karki, Zoe McDowell, Louise Bradford, Jackie Gunn, Meghan McCann, Lee-Ann McCall, Lucy Cadden, Medbh Hillyard Nicholl, Niamh Nixon, and Catriona Burns.  We were also delighted to announce the formal appointment of Professor Linda Kelly as an honorary professor of Practice during the event and celebrate Kieran McCormick’s Cavell Star Award.

 

Applications Now Open for 2025 Cohort

The Ambition to Success programme will return in September 2025. Nursing and midwifery students entering their second or third year at Queen’s University Belfast are encouraged to apply by 30 June 2025.

Click here to apply: https://forms.office.com/e/1JNbPgLsY1

To find out more, contact Dr Gary Mitchell at Gary.Mitchell@qub.ac.uk

Let your ambition lead you to success!