In this issue of NCFR Report, we are going to underscore our logo’s tagline “catalyzing research, theory and practice” completely. Its authors are some of NCFR’s most respected researchers, including two of our journal editors. Research and theory will come alive as you read how other expert researchers have taken their studies and applied them to the media and public policy.

How do family professionals find their career paths? Is it careful planning-or "luck?" What roles do mentors play? How can we combine a "family" career with our own family responsibilities? In this issue of NCFR Report, read how your colleagues have developed professionally-and how they've developed the profession.

Once the research design is established, the data collected, and the proper calculations made, researchers must still ask, "What do these findings mean for real families in real situations? And what are the policy implications for government, business, and family-serving organizations?" In other words, "So what?" In this issue, we attempt to help researchers answer this question. We offer suggestions on how to present research findings to policymakers and engage students in policy discussions. We also explore the relationship between public policy and child care, child custody, single-mother families and other issues.