A survey was done to improve understanding of nurses' participation in research activities and their utilization of research for practice in one developing country, the Republic of China. The sample for this 1996-1997 study was 382 staff nurses and nurse managers. Using two instruments designed for the project it was found that although research participation was low overall, 64% participated in some research activities with data collection and presentation at national conferences the most frequent activities. Nearly half the nurses had utilized research to change practice in the previous three years. The main barriers to utilization were lack of time and lack of staff. Role models, consultation and guidance to locate useful research were the main types of needed assistance. The findings provide direction for future training, education and managerial policy, especially for nurses in developing countries, which account for 84% of the world's population and 93% of the worldwide burden of disease.