This issue of the "Professions Education Research Notes" is devoted to the theme of "The Future of Educational Research in the Professions." Four articles have been extracted from the issue to form this document: "The Future of Educational Research in the Professions," by Carole J. Bland, introduces the other articles and describes, as context for the articles, concerns about the level of contribution to larger educational questions of researchers in the professions. "Educational Research Environments in the Professions," by Wayne K. David and Robert F. Dedrick, describes a survey of researchers in the professions that examined characteristics of the research environments of respondents and the impact these conditions have on research performance and work satisfaction. The study found certain factors to be associated with success (e.g., percent of time conducting research, number of roles performed, and number of professional contacts) that can be manipulated to enhance performance and satisfaction. "The Future Focus of Research in Professional Education: Should We Establish an Agenda?" by Frank T. Stritter, describes a survey conducted on the need for a research agenda and the critical issues to be studied. Disagreement was found on the need for an articulated agenda, but some agreement was found on critical issues for the field. "A Commuter's Guide to Educational Research in the Professions," by Lee Shulman, discusses some enduring questions for education in the professions and the need for a reorientation, or resocialization, for the field. (KM)