Most of the palliative care programs that have emerged during the last two decades overwhelmingly have clinical roles. While there is understanding of the importance of research and education, these groups have extremely limited time and methodological expertise. This presentation will deal with the different logistic aspects of how to establish a clinical research agenda in these groups. The issues of faculty protected time, research funding, establishment of a research team and appropriate research methodologies, and career development will be discussed. The experience will be drawn from the establishment of the research groups at The University of Alberta and the Regional Palliative Care Program in Edmonton, and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Some practical examples will be provided and questions and comments will be welcome.