It is argued in this article that the shortcomings of social science research stem fundamentally from the lack of a developmentalist culture, which manifests itself by researchers’ inadequate interest and participation in continuing professional development. Yet institutional research leaders also have a key role in increasing research capacity. They need to be specific about precisely what sort of development they want to occur: what specific skills need to be developed, and what kinds of output they are encouraging. These will be incorporated into their visions of institutional research activity and achievement, which must be communicated clearly to those for whose development they are responsible. What is proposed is a model of institutionally-based professional development centred around the notion of ‘extended’ professionality, and from which developmentalist research cultures are likely to emerge.