A project organized by the Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education at the State University of New York at Albany is described. The purpose of the project was to develop closer linkages between practice and research in didactics in mathematics and science education. A state-wide research network was created of higher education faculty with research interests in mathematics and science education and clusters of pre-college faculty in the same disciplines interested in learning about or collaborating in research. This network would serve as a vehicle for identifying areas of research of concern to pre-college teachers, engaging teachers at all levels in collaborative efforts, facilitating research projects, and disseminating research results to classroom teachers. The rationale for the project, how the network was designed and formed, and the results of collaboration are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages or problems are listed, with suggestions for improving collaboration possibilities. Eleven references are included. (MNS)