The classic translation research (TR) paradigm remains that of literary translation, thereby excluding much of what is actually done day by day in the translation profession and perpetuating the notion of the subservient translator in a professionally inferior position to the author. Yet empirical work with freelance translators shows that the model of the subservient, non-assertive translator is simply not applicable to the profession as it operates in the 21st century. By contrast, interpreting research (IR) operates much more in the ‘here and now’; its paradigm is practice in the booth rather than a more abstract theoretical model. Thus, this contribution argues, TR and IR do indeed have much in common and much to learn from each other. There is however a need for greater clarity in formulating the purpose of and paradigm for such research as well as its informants.