A group of research development leaders from six public research universities across New England, including UConn, has recently been honored with the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Leadership Award. This award recognizes the team’s outstanding contributions to advancing the field of research development. Its members include:Matt Mroz (UConn)Dan Riechers (UMass Lowell)Bethann Valentine (UMass Lowell)Loren Walker (UMass Amherst)Jeralyn Haraldsen (UVM)Michael Thompson (UNH)Mark Milutinovich (UNH)Saul Allen (UMaine)Karen Markin (URI)“Internally, we refer to ourselves as the NERDs, for ‘New England Research Development’ group,” jokes Matt Mroz, UConn’s interim director of research development. “Public research universities contribute in many ways to the states they serve, often with modest resources,” says member Karen Markin, director of research development at URI. “It’s a wonderful thing to be recognized, but the most important thing is to spotlight the cool work that’s happening” in the world of university research development.