Various frameworks measure the output of academic departments and their staff. For example, the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative has increased the pressure for nurse academics to establish successful research careers , as ERA is likely to impact on funding allocations in the future and the reputation of the institution. In the UK, the new proposed system relies more on a range of statistical measures, which may include all non-government research income, number of postgraduates, and a bibliometric analysis of its research output, a particular concern, to determine how research funds are allocated . Those staff employed on a contractual basis are particularly vulnerable as without a publication or funding track record it is less likely that their contract will be renewed. The pressure to publish, achieve funding and demonstrate the impact of the research will therefore increase and nurse academics need to be ready to meet that challenge.