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Research Meets Practice

Formed in August, 2025, the Bridging Research and Practice Group is an AHRD Strategic Projects Initiative which envisions bridging the gap between HRD/Learning and Development research and practice.

Its objectives are two fold. First, to make high-quality research accessible, actionable, and impactful for practitioners, scholars, and students. Second, to collaborate with and engage in knowledge sharing with HRD/Learning and Development practitioners to solicit their experiences and challenges and inform and co-create applied research agenda's and actions.

These objectives will be achieved through:

  • Webinars
  • The HRD Master Class podcasts series
  • Joint practitioner/research conference workshops
  • Joint practitioner/research online workshops
  • The AHRD Insights now live on Substack.

What we do

  • Host webinars and HRD Masterclass podcast episodes that translate current research into practical tools and stories for HRD professionals at all career stages.
  • Curate a practitioner-focused conference and online workshops
  • Supporting the Program Excellence Network Case Competition and Next Gen Summit that showcase applied HRD and student engagement.
  • Oversee the AHRD Insights online publication, featuring empirical and review-based posts written in plain language using standardized templates that highlight implications for practice and policy.
  • AHRD Insights Publication Formats and Submission Guidelines

Who should get involved

  • HRD practitioners seeking evidence-based guidance on real-world challenges in learning and development, talent, leadership, DEI, and organizational change.
  • Scholars and doctoral/master's students who want to translate their work for practitioner audiences, build visibility, and collaborate on applied projects and case studies.

How to participate

  • Submit an Insights contribution using one of the standard templates (Empirical Study, Literature/Systematic Review, Case/Practice Insight, or Author's Corner).
  • Volunteer for a webinar, podcast episode, or conference session focused on connecting your research or practice experience to the broader HRD community.
  • Submit resources and ideas to connect research and practice
  • Invite your network to participate to build our community

Working Group Members

Claire Gubbins, Dublin City University (DCU); Co-Chair
Claire Gubbins, Dublin City University (DCU); Co-Chair
Matthew Hurtienne, The University of Texas at Tyler; Co-Chair
Matthew Hurtienne, The University of Texas at Tyler; Co-Chair
Jeff Allen, University of North Texas
Jeff Allen, University of North Texas
Yonjoo Cho, University of Texas at Tyler
Yonjoo Cho, University of Texas at Tyler
Yob Ha, Texas A&M University
Yob Ha, Texas A&M University
Kyung Nam Kim, Texas A&M University
Kyung Nam Kim, Texas A&M University
Kelly Moore, University of Texas Tyler
Kelly Moore, University of Texas Tyler
Suzanne Murphy, Abeo Consulting
Suzanne Murphy, Abeo Consulting
Kathie Pugaczewski, AHRD
Kathie Pugaczewski, AHRD
Katherine Rosenbusch, George Mason University
Katherine Rosenbusch, George Mason University
Darren Short, All by Podcast
Darren Short, All by Podcast
Cynthia Mignonne Sims, University of Georgia
Cynthia Mignonne Sims, University of Georgia
Kathy Yeager, Abilene Christian University
Kathy Yeager, Abilene Christian University