Tobacco control research presents several challenges that have to be considered according several dimensions and factors that may condition it, such as 1) the capacity of individual scientists, research teams, and institutions; 2) the local or global typology of the research itself; 3) the specific field of research within tobacco control: from population-based and public health oriented to clinical research; and 4) the availability of funding at the local or international level. In this framework, collaborative research is not only possible but desirable because collaboration between research groups and institutions across Europe may favour and trigger the above-mentioned factors. Opportunities for tobacco control research include mainly dissemination and implementation research of evidence-based interventions to prevent smoking among adolescents and young people and promote cessation among disadvantaged groups; and on policies on how to warn the public on the risks of smoking and especially on the use of novel tobacco products; and also observational research on the impact of smoke-free legislation and the attitudes and beliefs of smokers and non-smokers towards a smoke-free society, as well as the evaluation and sharing of good practices.