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Abstract
A sound knowledge base, developed through high quality research, is required to underpin practice. Physiotherapists find themselves under increasing pressure to justify their contribution to healthcare, transfering expectations to the research community to provide the evidence. This paper discusses the status and development of physiotherapy research in the UK. Government policy has a direct bearing on both elements and will be examined as a contributing factor. The role of the professional body will be explored as a facilitator of change and development. Substantial changes in physiotherapy education in the UK have directly impacted on the development of research skills within the profession and these will be discussed. To improve the status and development of physiotherapy research, its importance needs to be appreciated by all sectors of the profession, other healthcare professions and policy makers, in order to create further opportunities.