The level, role, and purposes of research and development (R&D) in colleges of advanced education (CAEs) in Australia in 1986 is reported. Also covered are: sources of funding for R&D, ways in which CAEs collaborate with other institutions, how R&D is managed; and the perceived role of R&D in both the teaching process and growth of the institution. Basic information on R&D was obtained from college handbooks, reports, and papers written by academic staff. Of the 47 CAEs surveyed, 39 completed a questionnaire to indicate how R&D was supported and managed at the central level. Eight CAEs were visited and meetings were held with the heads of schools or deans of faculties, as well as heads of research centers and public research companies that operated under the auspices of the institution. In addition, about 200 academic staff actively involved in R&D were surveyed. Information is presented on: official views of R&D; the main forms in which R&D is documented (e.g., institutional reports and directories, research company reports); research in different fields of study; and organizational structures to support and facilitate R&D. The questionnaire and interview schedule are appended, along with a list of R&D consultancies and centers in CAEs. (SW)