Nursing research is a challenging area in which European nurses still have to develop expertise. The needs of cancer nurses were identified in the literature and classified according to the following three categories:• Why is research needed?• What is needed to understandhitiatdperform research?• What are the different levels of research awareness and competence required in the cancer‐nursing field?Meeting the research needs of nurses in cancer care is a major concer. In terms of mangement, it implies setting up plans, programmes and projects, and implementing strategies. This suggests having the means available. Means are usually divided into three categories; manpower, material and money. Meeting the research needs of nurses in cancer care will be a challenge for the next few years. Nurses will have to acquire and increase the necessary means to implement their research programme