Considerations for transitioning from a teaching to a pure research position Understandably, there would be some adjustment needed, particularly if the academic had been in the predominantly teaching role for a long time (or it is the only academic role they've had). 

What practical considerations are there that would help an academic currently fulfilling a primarily teaching position to seamlessly and effectively transition to being in an all-research position (any job that is all research, no teaching)?
Some issues that will need to be considered are:


getting up to date with the current developments in your field – this will involve intense and selective reading
finding new topics to work on 
justifying in grant applications the gap in publication record and demonstrating potential to produce results
attracting students to work with you – this may be easier if you've been teaching a lot, as you've put yourself in a position where students can see you.


Good luck.