ABSTRACTOur nursing discipline is confronted by many changes in the health care delivery system. It is proposed that we should unite, identify common goals for the profession, and support changes in our educational programs and professional socialization processes to achieve our goals. Nurse‐midwives are recognized for their leadership in advanced clinical practice. They are encouraged, therefore, to provide leadership in further development of nursing science and professional practice. A three‐by‐three matrix, consisting of three process and three content dimensions is proposed. The process dimensions include (a) collaboration with colleagues in nursing; (b) preparation of more nurse researchers; and (c) collaboration with those from other disciplines. Content dimensions that are explored include (a) basic research on the experience of health throughout life; (b) applied research focused on evaluation of clinical interventions; and (c) health policy research and analysis. It is advocated that we build programs of research in each of these areas. Examples of relevant research are presented and disc