RCN International Nursing Research Conference 2026
Research Without Boundaries: Innovation, Collaboration and Global Impact
15 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep
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Programme now available! Book your place today.
Research Without Boundaries: Innovation, Collaboration and Global Impact
The 2026 RCN International Nursing Research Conference will celebrate the potential of nursing research to advance health across communities, systems and global contexts. As healthcare becomes increasingly interconnected and shaped by technological advances, migration, sociopolitical change and new models of care, the conference will highlight how research drives innovation, strengthens collaboration, and delivers meaningful impact.
The programme will showcase:
- research that transcends traditional boundaries, including cross-sector and cross-disciplinary studies
- innovative methodologies and emerging technologies, highlighting approaches such as digital health, artificial intelligence, co-design, and creative methods
- collaborative research that brings together clinicians, academics, communities, and global partners to accelerate discovery, enhance implementation and widen reach.
- meaningful involvement of patients, the public and communities in all stages of research
2026 Clinical Research Nursing
In 2026, we are pleased to build on last years success and continue our commitment to Clinical Research Nursing with a full day of CRN-focused content at the RCN International Nursing Research Conference. This dedicated programme will welcome all delegates and will provide an opportunity to deepen knowledge, share developments and recognise the vital contributions of nurses engaged in research delivery and leadership.
Words from the 2026 Conference Chair, Dr Gordon Hill
‘As Conference Chair, I am delighted to welcome you to Glasgow in 2026 as we explore our theme: Research Without Boundaries: Innovation, Collaboration and Global Impact. This theme reflects our commitment to showcasing research that is ambitious, creative and influential at a global level. The conference aims to stimulate discussion, inspire new partnerships and celebrate the achievements of our vibrant research community. I very much hope you will be part of this exciting gathering.’
Who should attend?
This conference is open to anyone interested in nursing and research. You can attend as a presenting or as a non-presenting delegate. It will be of interest to nurses, and colleagues in related disciplines, involved in the development and use of knowledge that impacts on nursing practice or the context in which nurses practice.
Find out more about the benefits of attending.
Please note, this is an in-person conference. If your abstract is accepted, all presenters will be expected to register to present in person.
Hear from our previous attendees:
‘Networking opportunities were great and conversations post event have already taken place.’
‘Keynote speakers were excellent and inspiring. Got some great ideas for developing in my own Trust.’
‘The positive energy and friendly atmosphere encouraged me to ask questions and engage.’
#RCNresearch26
Media partner:
Nurse Researcher is dedicated to the theme of research methodology, from innovative data collection methods, participant recruitment and data analysis techniques through to more diverse research matters and beyond.
Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC)
Strathclyde University
99 George Street
Glasgow
G1 1RD
Reception Tel: +44 (0) 141 444 7000 Website: Strathclyde University TIC website
The Technology and Innovation Centre is one of a new generation of university based, dedicated conference facilities. Award winning, the building reflects Strathclyde’s national position within the fields of advancing technology and innovation – an appropriate host for the 2026 RCN International Nursing Research Conference.
Getting to the venue
By Train
The closest railway stations are:
National Rail Services
- Queen Street (0.4 miles)
- Glasgow Central (0.9 miles)
Local Services
- High Street (0.1 miles)
- Queen Street (0.4 miles)
- Argyle Street (0.6 miles)
- Glasgow Central (0.9 miles)
- Buchanan Street Underground is an 8-minute walk
Bus
- Buchanan Bus Station is 0.6 miles away, with frequent services to Glasgow International Airport.
- A direct bus connection to Glasgow International Airport is also available from North Hanover St, outside Queen St Station, every 15 minutes. This is about an 8-minute walk away from the TIC and the single fare is approximately £10.00. Depending on traffic, the journey time is around 20 to 30 minutes.
Local Airport
The nearest major airport is Glasgow International Airport.
By Car
Low Emission Zone
From 1 June 2023, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force in Glasgow. All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. There are some exemptions. Please visit Glasgow City Council’s webpage for full details.
Sat Nav: G1 1RD (Main entrance, Technology & Innovation Centre)
Local Car Parks and discount availability
- Discounted parking is available nearby – the 24hr Duke Street Car Park, G4 0UW (0.3 miles) currently offers an all-day special rate at £6.00 or you can validate your ticket at TIC Reception for the capped rate of £6.00 per day
- Download the ParkPass app for discounted parking at 24hr NCP Montrose Street, G1 1RS (0.2 miles). Register with the code L6PN4FX. Scan the QR code with the app on entry to the car park rather than taking a ticket to receive your discount - visit NCP George Street for prices via the ParkPass app.
- Discounted parking is available at Q-Park Candleriggs, G1 1LH (0.4 miles), if pre-booked online. Please enter code TICUOS20 to receive a 20% discount at point of booking. The car park is open 07:00-00:00, Monday to Sunday.
- The most suitable car park for those with accessibility needs is the 24hr Duke Street Car Park.
- Electric vehicle charging points are available at 24hr Duke Street Car Park and Q-Park Candleriggs.
- Blue badge holders may park free of charge at on-street parking meters and on-street pay and display areas – please visit Glasgow City Council’s website for more information.
Please note this Information is currently being updated. Prices quoted correct at June 2023.
Please note the PDF programme is likely to have alterations, and details and timings are subject to change. The programme online will be the most up to date.
Day 1
Jill Douglas MBE
Jill Douglas MBE is a respected and experienced sports broadcaster and journalist who regularly appears on ITV and BBC in their coverage of major global sporting events.
Jill is best known for her work in rugby and cycling and began her career as a print news journalist in the Scottish Borders before moving into television.
She became the UK’s first female rugby presenter when she fronted Rugby Special. Jill has covered a variety of major events including six Olympic Games, six Commonwealth Games, five Rugby World Cups, Lions Tours and every Six Nations Championship.
In addition, Jill is a regular host and facilitator and works with Gallagher Insurance brokers where she is involved in business development, marketing and communications and supporting the partnerships team.
Jill was born in Hawick and grew up in the Borders and loves her horse racing and rugby and is a lifelong Hawick RFC supporter and serves as President of Cheltenham Tigers RFC.
A close friend of the Weir family, Jill was instrumental is the creation and success of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and its now Patron of the motor neuron disease charity.
She lives in Cheltenham with her husband Carl Hogg and their two children where she is able to indulge her love of rugby at Kingsholm and her appreciation of horse racing at the famous Prestbury course.
Day 2
Currently Expert Advisor to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ethnicity, Transplantation, and Transfusion. Gurch is currently working with the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life on the DELIVER – Donation Ethnicity Liberation Inclusion Pontifical Academy for Life – Vatican-State led – Engagement of Religious Communities Project; as well as a Member, European Society of Transplantation (ESOT) - Health Equity Steering Committee.
Professor Randhawa holds a number of policy positions including being a Member of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts in the quality and safety of organs for transplantation at the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare; and National Member, National Black and Minority Ethnic Transplant Alliance.
Gurch has over 30 years’ experience of serving on boards setting strategy; also served for 12 years as Chairman of various NHS Boards, as well as being a Member of the Human Tissue Authority. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Forestry England; and Deputy Chair at Central East Integrated Care Board respectively. Gurch is privileged to serve as Vice Lord Lieutenant for Bedfordshire and support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her functions as His Majesty The King’s representative in the county.
Day 3
Jenny Chambers
Jenny Chambers originally trained as a Building Society Manager. Her career path radically changed after she was given the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).
She established a support and information line for women with ICP in 1992 and began working to raise awareness of the condition. In 2012 she registered the support line as a charity – ICP Support – and in 2017 she was approved as CEO.
Her collaboration with researchers in the field of ICP began in 1992 and she was subsequently employed at Imperial College London in 2005 to help implement Professor Catherine Williamson’s research studies and to recruit women to research. She trained as a counsellor but no longer has the time to practise.
She stepped down as CEO of ICP Support in March 2024 as part of her succession planning and currently works four days a week at Imperial College London. She is a named author on over 45 ICP research papers, has written articles on ICP for the midwifery press and an i-learn training module on ICP for the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) which is due to be updated. She obtained funding for ICP Support to develop an e-learning for healthcare training module on ICP which is now available to all health professionals.
Anne Croudass: Lead Research Nurse, Cancer Research UK
Anne leads an established team of 15 Cancer Research UK Senior Research Nurses (CRUK SRN). Based at centres across the UK, the CRUK SRN team are embedded in local cancer service delivery, where they provide a patient facing, innovative and expert workforce and work across boundaries to drive improvements in patient care through research and pioneering service innovation.
Anne has been in her role at CRUK for 20 years and has extensive experience of patient centred care and strategic and operational leadership in research delivery. She has worked with many stakeholders including people affected by cancer, Universities, and NHS organisations as well as other third sector organisations to drive awareness of and access to cancer clinical trials. She is committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of research staff, and articulating the impact and importance of clinical research as NHS core business.
Anne is passionate about driving innovation and improving care for all those affected by cancer through high-quality clinical research.
Laura Rooney, Head of Research Participation, Alzheimer's Society and Lead Research Nurse, Alzheimer’s Society UK Dementia Trials Network Research Nurse Programme.
Laura leads a growing network of dedicated dementia research nurses embedded within selected UK Dementia Trials Network (UKDTN) sites across the UK, alongside heading the Alzheimer’s Society Research Participation and Engagement team. This portfolio includes oversight of the UKDTN-funded Trial Finder and the Society’s partnership with Join Dementia Research, with a strong focus on raising awareness of, and expanding equitable access to, vital dementia research opportunities.
Working in partnership with NHS organisations, lived experience groups, academics, industry, and third sector partners, Laura is passionate about increasing participation in dementia research and ensuring inclusive access across the UK. With a background in early phase cancer research, including establishing Scotland’s first cell and gene therapy research service for solid and haematological malignancies, Laura brings over 17 years experience in leading innovations in clinical research delivery and is dedicated to ensuring potentially transformative new treatments are available through dementia clinical trials to all who may benefit.
Dr Veronica Bishop-Holder PhD. MPhil, RGN, FRSA
• Retired visiting professor, City University, London
• Inaugural editor in chief, Journal of Research in Nursing
• Founder of Clinical Research Nurses’ Association
Veronica came late into nursing (as with many things) and when qualified, concentrated on ITU and cardio-thoracic care in London, before taking a temporary job as a research sister in the research department of anaesthetics in the Royal College of Surgeons. She stayed there for 11 years, obtaining a MPhil, a PhD and a son in that time. She then moved into the Department of Health as a Nursing Officer in the research department, commissioning and managing projects aligned with manpower for all health professionals. On leaving the DH she became the inaugural editor for NTResearch for 15 years, working with committed and talented academic nurses whose work built the foundation for the successful journal that it is today.
Dr Ann McMahon FRCN
Ann is an almost retired nurse who during her career has been involved in research and innovation in a range of clinical, management and policy roles. Her doctoral research examined the conditions where innovation in health care may flourish. As well as being the professional lead for research at the RCN, Ann led a programme of work developing practitioner’s capability to demonstrate the value of the services they provided by applying the principles of economic assessment to their practice.
Ann was Co-editor in Chief of the Journal of Research in Nursing from 2011-2024 and Trustee of the Foundation of Nursing Studies from 2014-2023.
Ann is a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing and currently holds honorary positions at the University of Glasgow and Plymouth University.
Natalie Elliot, Clinical Research Nurse, NHS Lanarkshire
General delegate booking is now open.
Presenter rate booking closed on 29 JUNE 2026. Presenter bookings after this date will not be eligible for discount and are at risk of withdrawal. All presenters must attend the conference in-person.
International delegates
- All international delegates attending this event are entitled to the RCN member rate.
- International student nurses (pre-registration only) are also eligible for the discounted RCN pre-reg student member rate.
- Refer to discount section for exclusions and conditions*.View our visa application policy for international delegates
- International rates are not available online. Please contact RCN Event Registrations directly to pay by secure link or over the phone. Please follow the instructions below the fees table.
Not an RCN member? Join today to qualify for preferential conference fees.
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Member type |
Conference fees |
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|
Fee |
VAT |
Total |
|
|
Member (1 day fee) |
£245.00 |
£49.00 |
£294.00 |
|
Non-member (1 day fee) |
£316.00 |
£63.20 |
£379.20 |
|
Member (2 day fee) |
£320.00 |
£64.00 |
£384.00 |
|
Non-member (2 day fee) |
£413.00 |
£82.60 |
£495.60 |
|
Member (3 day fee) |
£395.00 |
£79.00 |
£474.00 |
|
Non- member (3 day fee) |
£510.00 |
£102.00 |
£612.00 |
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Discounted rates |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (1 day) |
£75.00 |
£15.00 |
£90.00 |
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Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (2 day) |
£150.00 |
£30.00 |
£180.00 |
|
Member: Pre-reg student, Retired, health practitioner (3 day) |
£225.00 |
£45.00 |
£270.00 |
|
Member: RCN representatives, forum steering committee (1 day / 25% discount) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Member: RCN representatives, forum steering committee (2 day / 25% discount) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Member: RCN representatives, forum steering committee (3 day / 25% discount) |
£296.25 |
£59.25 |
£355.50 |
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Conditions and exclusions |
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1. Discounts apply to conference fees only and are not available on the presenter rate. |
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2. 10% group discount is applicable on 3 or more conference places and will only be applied to places where the maximum number of conference days have been booked i.e. three-day attendance. |
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3. Discount offers cannot be combined. Only one discount can be used for each booking whether it is an individual or group booking. |
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4. Member: Pre-reg student, retired, health practitioner – this reduced rate is strictly for RCN members. Only students that are enrolled in a pre-registration nursing programme will qualify for this rate. Post graduate students are not eligible. |
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5. The RCN representative 25% discount is only available on the maximum number of conference days that can be booked. |
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6. Maximum of 2 presenter rate places for any concurrent, poster and ViPER. |
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7. 1 presenter rate per paper for any symposia – up to a maximum of 5 papers |
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8. Sharing of a multi-day conference pass between two or more delegates is not permitted. Only delegates that have registered their details through the RCN’s events registration system will be granted access. |
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9. The international delegate rate applies only to individuals that are living and travelling from outside of the UK. |
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Please note: discounts cannot be accumulated or redeemed when booking online. Please contact RCN Events Registration to book a discounted place. |
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Catering during the conference programme and conference materials are provided within the conference fee. Travel, accommodation and catering outside of the conference programme are not included in the conference fee.
To make a booking
Please note our booking lines are only open Monday to Friday.
Online bookings are the easiest and fastest way to book 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Bookings can be made by phone with payment by credit card/Maestro, by calling
+44 (0) 2920 546460. Lines are open from 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Bookings can also be made by post with a downloaded booking form with credit card details or payment/remittance advice posted to: Event registrations, FREEPOST ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING
Request a Secure link
You can now pay for event bookings via secure link, please complete a booking form for each delegate (disregarding the payment section). Send the forms to eventsreg@rcn.org.uk, we will calculate the amount to be paid and email you the payment link from Elavon. The payment link will be valid for 7 days.
On receipt of your payment, we will book your space/s and send your delegate/s confirmation of their bookings.
Invoice payment
To pay by invoice you must send all the below to eventsreg@rcn.org.uk
- A copy of the official Purchase Order document from your organisation or company, addressed to supplier: Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, London. W1G 0RN. We are unable to process your order without it, requisition orders are not accepted.
- Your Finance department/accounts payable contact email address to receive an electronic copy of the invoice from us
- A completed RCN Events Booking Form for each delegate in the booking
Important - Please don’t send booking forms without PDF copies of Purchase Orders or vice versa, as we will not be able to complete your booking without them.
Once the invoice has been raised, you will then receive confirmation of your delegate booking on the event requested. Invoices are to be paid within 30 days of the invoice being issued.
We always endeavour to process your booking as quickly as possible, however, this process can sometimes take up to 10 working days.
So that we can process your booking quickly, please send all the booking forms and the Purchase Order to us together on the same email.
Group bookings - please send all the completed booking forms and the Purchase Order to us, together on the same email.
Is this conference for me?
You can attend this conference as a presenting or as a non-presenting delegate.
Attending this conference provides a quality assured opportunity to improve nursing practice, learn, network, and discuss and debate the challenges facing the future nursing workforce.
It will be of particular interest to all current and aspiring nurses, and colleagues in related disciplines, involved in the development and use of knowledge that impacts on nursing practice or the context in which nurses’ practice.
The conference provides the opportunity to:
- Hear how research is addressing contemporary nursing issues from inspirational keynote speakers
- Share and learn about cutting edge innovation in research methods, policy and management
- Benefit from inclusive patient and public involvement
- Showcase your research and your employer on an international stage
- Engage in supportive and constructive critical debate
- Discuss the impact of research on health and social care policy and nursing practice
- Consider how you can use research findings to inform yours and colleagues’ nursing practice
- Network with like-minded colleagues and make new contacts – from those starting out in their careers through to distinguished keynote speakers
- Participate in a lively social programme
- Engage with exhibitors
- Accrue up to 27 hours of continuing professional development - for UK nurses CPD counts towards your revalidation. Find out more about CPD.
Need a helping hand with securing time off or funding to attend? See our hints and tips and template letter, to aid justification of attendance to your employer.
Presenter guidance
Presenter registration deadline is strictly Monday 29 June 2026. The presenter rate will not be available after this date.
To be eligible to present and qualify for the presenter rate, all presenters must register for the conference by Monday 29 June 2026 quoting their abstract reference number. Failure to do so may result in the abstract being removed from the final conference programme. See the Conference fees page for further details.
Main presenters are responsible for co-ordinating the registration of any co-presenters in addition to themselves. Please ensure you provide your abstract number when you register.
For concurrent oral sessions, please note only the named main presenter and one additional named co-presenter will qualify for the speaker rate.
Programme slot
Alterations may be made to the programme, affecting the time of sessions, prior to the conference. To keep up to date with any developments affecting the conference programme, we suggest checking the conference website regularly.
Please log into your Exordo dashboard to view reviewer comments, make edits to your abstract submission and upload your presentation.
Types of conference presentation
- Concurrent oral (25 minutes)
Concurrent papers are presented orally. Concurrent sessions are 25 minutes in duration. Each presenter is allocated a maximum of 20 minutes to speak followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion.
Downoad oral presenter guidance
- Symposia (60 – 90 minutes)
A symposium is an oral presentation of between three and five papers with a shared focus. The duration of a symposium is normally 60 or 90 minutes depending on the number of papers. Please note, only one presenter per paper, up to a maximum of five papers, will be eligible for the speaker rate.
- Posters (one day)
Exhibited on one day of the conference, posters are visual displays of material. Poster displays reach a wide audience and are suited to the presentation of factual data, such as project design or findings. Posters should be visually stimulating in design and convey clear aims and outcomes. Poster presenters participate in a facilitated, interactive poster tour during the lunch break, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with delegates.
Download poster presenter guidance
- ViPER (25 minutes)
A ViPER is an evaluation of Visual Presentation with Expert Review. This method involves a short oral presentation of a poster with no more than three presentation slides, followed by expert commentary and facilitated group discussion and debate. ViPERs support audience interactivity and provide an increased opportunity for active engagement in discussion.
Download ViPER presenter guidance
- Flash talk
Flash talks are strictly timed 5-minute presentations delivered in a main plenary session (i.e. to whole conference) and provide the opportunity for your findings to reach a large number of delegates but in a concise form. Following fellow flash talk presentations there will be the opportunity for a 10 minute Q&A.
Download flash talk presenter guidance
Guidance for accessible presentations and posters
When creating PowerPoint presentations or posters for RCN events, it is important to consider the needs of neurodivergent members. Around 20% of the population is neurodivergent, so designing inclusively ensures that everyone can engage with your content effectively.
First time presenters
If you are presenting for the first time, our helpful tips and guidance to assist with planning and preparing a successful presentation.
View first time presenter guidance
If you have any queries which aren’t answered by the above guidelines please contact research@rcn.org.uk
Terms and conditions
Prior to preparing and delivering your presentation, we strongly advise that you read the conference terms and conditions.
Applications for the 2026 Research Development Award have now closed.
The outcome will be communicated in due course.
FAQs
What do the Research Development Awards cover?
Conference fees
The Research Development Award will cover full delegate fees. This includes access to the full International Nursing Research Conference 2026 programme taking place between 15-17 September 2026. This will include lunch and refreshments during the hours of the conference.
Travel and accommodation
The RCN will reimburse travel and accommodation costs up to £335, in line with the RCN expenses policy. Successful applicants must book and pay for their own travel and accommodation by 31 July. An expense claim form, along with all relevant receipts, should be submitted to research@rcn.org.uk no later than 30 days following the conference, for costs up to the value of £335 to be reimbursed.
Requirements if I am successful.
Successful applicants will be required to provide a supporting statement from their employer or institution confirming that they are fully authorised to attend. Supporting statements should be provided either on letter headed paper, or as an email including relevant signatories e.g. from line managers, personal tutors, heads of school or supervisors etc., and submitted to research@rcn.org.uk, by 31 May.
Olivia is an experienced emergency department nurse and is currently in year two of a full-time PhD at the Centre for Healthcare and Community Research at the University of Stirling.
We look forward to welcoming Olivia to the conference in September.
The RCN Research Forum is delighted to be working alongside our headline sponsors to bring this year’s International Nursing Research Conference to Glasgow. Our thanks go to Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Glasgow, and University of West Scotland for their generous support.
The RCN Research Forum is delighted to be working alongside our headline sponsors to bring this year’s International Nursing Research Conference to Glasgow. Our thanks go to Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Glasgow, and University of West Scotland for their generous support.
This conference and exhibition is an unrivalled opportunity for you to connect directly with nurse researchers and clinical research nurses from across the UK, working at a range of levels in the university, NHS, public or independent and voluntary sectors.
There are a number of ways you can get involved, from networking to raise your profile to tailored commercial packages to help achieve specific objectives. Please contact the exhibitions team on 02076473959 or email exhibitions@rcn.org.uk.
Delegates are also welcome to book alternative accommodation via their preferred platforms.
Email: Research@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 6473577
If your query relates to a booking, please contact the Registration Team directly:
Email: eventsreg@rcn.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)29 2054 6460
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Page last updated - 14/09/2026
