This study examines the role of pre-service teacher research in facilitating early and meaningful links between research and practice. Results from this mixed methods study show that pre-service teacher research is a promising method of early acculturation. However, despite a programme-wide emphasis on research as a mechanism for learning to teach and about education, challenges continue to exist. One notable contribution to the existing literature is the importance of principals taking a leadership role in school-based research. (Contains 4 tables.)