The Role of Research Development Professionals in Supporting Team Science

Research Development Professionals (RDPs) play an increasingly important role in the development of successful team science research. Research Development as a professional field in its own right is relatively new; however, the scientific literature has long recognized the role of research administration in building and supporting successful collaborations; and there is a small but growing body of literature that focuses specifically on the role played by RDPs. A variety of research development strategies, programs, and services can help institutions thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. The research development enterprise can also contribute to the growing importance of teamed scientific collaboration that includes representation from the broader community and external nonacademic institutions in order to address increasingly complex scientific questions.