In case there was any doubt, the discussions in recent issues of arq, and from other coverage of the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), demonstrate that the role, status and purpose of research in the field of architecture at the beginning of the twenty-first century are problematic to say the least. The nature of architectural practice is at an equally problematic stage, with the profession appearing to many weak, disorganized and ill-equipped to stand up to external threats of various kinds. And although it is common to hear the view – which we subscribe to – that connections between academic research (and the schools more generally) and professional practice are poor and ought to be improved, it is not easy to work out whether this state of affairs is more a cause or a consequence of the difficulties on both sides.