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Research Development Review: The NORDP Journal

Aims & Scope

Research Development Review: The NORDP Journal publishes on a wide range of topics intended to advance the global capacity for and impact of research development. We are also open to considering analyses of research development by scholars in other fields (history, sociology/anthropology, science of science, team science, science policy, etc.) about the field and its place within the research enterprise.

Authors need not be members of NORDP to submit works to the Journal. Research Development Review welcomes original contributions – including empirical, theoretical, conceptual, descriptive, definitional, or evaluative studies.

Research Development Review does not accept submissions that:

  • Endorse, or appear to endorse, commercial or political products, programs, or organizations;
  • Were previously published elsewhere; or
  • Are already under consideration by, or in preparation for publication in or by, any other journal, website, publisher, or organization.

Analyses of political programs, legislative decisions or actions, or similar topics that are relevant to the field of research development (such as funding of research programs, prioritizing research areas, etc.) are allowable, however.

Types of submission to Research Development Review are described fully in the Instructions to Authors document.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Collaboration and Team Building: Research Development professionals are often tasked with fostering collaboration, and building and supporting teams in different contexts – e.g., ideation, proposal development, cross-sector networking, etc. Submissions discussing the nature and effectiveness of the skills and processes brought to bear on these collaboration building activities are welcome.
  • Distinction from Research Administration: How do Research Development activities differ from Research Administration activities, what is the value add of Research Development activities, and how are they measured? What does it mean to engage in ‘strategic activities’ in the context of Research Development?
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We are interested in understanding how diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected in the Research Development community as that community forms a part of the wider research enterprise, and also as a distinct micro-environment within it. Some examples could include administrative structures and operations that impact inclusion, salary differentials, power issues, and opportunities for advancement.
  • Effectiveness of Training, Facilitating, Mentoring, Coaching, and Consulting: Research Development professionals provide training, mentoring, coaching locally within institutions and nationally in conference and webinar settings. We also facilitate team-building, meetings, and connections between investigators and resources or collaborators, and provide consulting services: but we have no uniform measures (studies, metrics, or standards) for assessing effectiveness of these measures. We are interested in submissions that help us to develop our understanding of the effectiveness of these measures and how effectiveness should be measured.
  • Intramural Funding Management: We are interested in submissions about the nature and effectiveness of practices related to effective competitions. What makes an intramural grant mechanism impactful? How is return-on-investment measured?
  • Limited Submission Processes: Some Research Development professionals manage competitions to identify candidates for limited submission funding opportunities. We are interested in submissions on the nature and effectiveness of practices related to limited submission processes.
  • Pipeline: We want to understand where Research Development professionals come from. We are particularly interested in submissions that explore this pipeline, including recruitment strategies, the level and types of training, required, prior experience needed, experience outside of the academy, etc. We are also interested in submissions about characteristics of effective training programs for new Research Development professionals.
  • Quality Assessment: How is Research Development quality measured and assessed? Submissions in this area could include either (a) specific assessment of Research Development activities designed to develop appropriate categories, methods, and metrics, or surveys or (b) reviews intended to understand the range and types of existing quality assessment efforts in Research Development.
  • Resubmission Assistance: Many Research Development professionals provide assistance with resubmission of declined proposals. We are interested in submissions related to the nature and effectiveness of resubmission assistance.

Authors may present differing or alternative views on current issues and debates, and pose relevant conclusions based on their views. However, the Journal does not accept submissions that overtly advocate for political or commercial entities. The Editors-in-Chief will make final decisions in consultation with the Editorial Board members.

For more information, contact RDRJournal@nordp.org.