These four papers are from a symposium facilitated by Gene Roth on research centers at the 1995 Academy of Human Resource Development (HRD) conference. "Research: The Thin Blue Line between Rigor and Reality" (Michael Leimbach) discusses the need for HRD research to increase its speed and rigor and help organizations focus on capability modeling and development impact. "Zenger Miller's Research Center: Mission, Strategies, Agonies, and Ecstasies" (Darlene Russ-Eft) reviews the history and mission of the center and specific projects, such as calculation of benefits and costs of interpersonal skills training, and total quality management. "ASTD's Research Program: Performance and Workplace Learning" (Martha A. Gephart, Lara Hewitt) describes how the American Society for Training and Development's research program is working within a global context to build the knowledge base necessary to link research, policy, and practice in three key areas: performance, learning, and training. "Human Resource Development Research Center--A Decade of Innovation" (Richard A. Swanson) profiles the University of Minnesota HRD Research Center. (KC)