The EUPHA Health Workforce Research (HWR) section has produced an advocacy statement on ‘Why Europe needs stronger health workforce research’ has been prepared for the Consultation for the next EU Research and Innovation Programme. The statement (with further detail provided in the flyer here) outlines health workforce research as pivotal to addressing changing patterns of health and illness in Europe that creates new demand for health and social care services and professional competences. The EUPHA HWR Section has asked colleagues to use the statement to approach national representatives in the European Commission and to circulate it widely in professional networks. Support is much needed to bring health workforce issues into research programmes and on the agenda of policymakers.