This paper summarises the development of the next Research Plan (2006-2008) for the Australian Institute of Family Studies. The Plan seeks to position the Institute to contribute strongly to connecting research, policy and practice. The frame for the Plan is 'Families through life: diversity, change and context'. In this paper the authors illustrate the elements of the Plan, focusing on one of the four themes from the Plan, family relationships, and explore aspects of Australian relationships. They highlight the following aspects of families: diversity of families, primarily in terms of family form; change, especially related to family formation and the dynamics of relationships; and context, particularly as it relates to the impact on families of population ageing. By examining aspects of family relationships, the authors highlight the interconnections among diversity, change and context, and explore the links between research, policy and practice.