The field of research development - in which individuals at universities and research institutions facilitate research program strategy, team-building, and in particular attract extramural funding - has been expanding vigorously in recent years, as evidenced by the growth of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP). NORDP has almost 500 paid members two years after being founded in 2010 and over 100 new job positions have been created in the United States. Panelists will describe the emerging field of research development and their path into it; discuss duties performed and potential career growth; present NORDP, the national professional organization of the field; answer questions; and engage in discussion with interested individuals.