As I write this, my last editorial for Nurse Researcher, it is timely to reflect on the purpose of research. Research fulfils many important roles in nursing and health care. It informs practice by providing us with evidence of the impact of interventions on patient care. It challenges us to think differently about the world and our place in it. It affords us the opportunity, albeit briefly, to see through the eyes of the researcher and participants how and why people’s health can be affected by the illnesses and challenges they face. Finally, it provides us with the insight to inform policy, service delivery and healthcare education. Research and our interpretations of its findings go on to shape our future actions and enrich us with the ability to reflect on ourselves and others. The value of research lies not only in the detail that is contained in it, but in the ‘action’ that it evokes as a result.