The final year engineering project (FYEP) is the culminating learning experience for students within professional engineering programs. The project requires students to demonstrate that they can integrate knowledge, skills and professional graduate attributes developed during the program, and perform at a standard expected of graduates. Australian national accreditation guidelines require engineering programs to show that students are capable of personally conducting and managing an engineering project to achieve a substantial outcome to professional standards. However, in Australia, there is no clear definition of the educational purposes and expectations of FYEPs, including the assessment requirements, particularly in the key area of research skills. This paper will outline the issues and concerns currently voiced within the educational community, and outline a current project that is aiming to address these issues.