Readers, immersed in research bids and projects, are aware that getting good research into practice (GRIP) requires several important and independent elements and steps, such as:

i. Selecting a topic that adds new knowledge and insights to health and social care policy and practice.

ii. Using a meaningful and comprehensive theoretical framework in which to set the study.

iii. Finding out what's already known about the topic.

iv. Posing problem statements meaningfully as aims and objectives, questions or hypotheses.

v. Choosing the right research design.

vi. Creating or adopting valid and reliable research instruments.

vii. Locating responsive, informative and representative data sources and collecting data.

viii. Complying with ethical rules.

ix. Analysing data accurately and presenting findings meaningfully.

x. Disseminating and implementing findings and recommendations.

In this special issue, therefore, we explore GRIP (i) to (x) in a QA context.