Developing a national strategy to promote and extend nursing research in Spain

The Health Research Funding Agency (FIS) is part of the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), which provides nationwide economic support for biomedical research project proposals. It is the scientific and technical support for the Spanish Ministry of Health. In 1996, the institute created the group Investén, which in January 2000 became a formal structure entitled the Centre for Coordination and Development of Nursing Research (Investen-isciii). The centre's main objective is to develop a national strategy to organise and facilitate the integration of nursing research into clinical practice. Its functions are to advise professionals and agencies, public and private institutions interested in nursing research and its dissemination, to coordinate and develop projects, and promote new ones. Since the group's inception, many activities have been developed to encourage research in nursing-related fields, stimulate multidisciplinary research teams, and promote coordination between initiatives led by nursing researchers. A strategic plan for the next three years includes a range of objectives such as the dissemination of research, fostering development and training of future nurse researchers, providing opportunities for international exchange of research knowledge and experience, and promoting pan-European nursing research collaboration.