The extent and quality of Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) at the post-secondary level have grown substantially in recent years. Associated research findings are central to current reform efforts to transform science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in colleges and universities across the United States. The increased visibility of DBER efforts creates opportunities and challenges that should be carefully analyzed. In this contribution, I reflect on critical issues that need to be considered and addressed in advancing the fields of DBER, using the articles included in this Special Issue of the "Journal of Research in Science Teaching" to ground the discussion.