Education in research: results of a survey commissioned by the research committee of the European Society of Radiology

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the current status of education in research in Europe with a view to making recommendations and improvements in the status of education in research for involved stakeholders. METHODS: A questionnaire concerning education in research in Europe was sent to the National Society representatives, to Subspecialty Societies and potentially interested ESR committees. Questions were posed to assess the current status and to explore a desired future status for a broad base of interested stakeholders. Questions related to training (general status), research drivers, researcher recruitment, contents of research education, education methods, flexibility in research career planning, scientific network building, scientific research funding and measuring outcomes of research education. RESULTS: The most pronounced inadequacies were perceived in the following areas: promotion of clinical scientists, promotion of material sciences, earlier recruitment of researchers, laboratory training, flexible and adaptable schedules, career planning by research group leaders, network building by funding agencies, funding by organ-based radiology sections and outcome measurement by professional surveys. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this questionnaire indicate that the subject of education in research methodology, career structure and career outcome need promotion. The important role of professional societies in supporting these changes is emphasised. MAIN MESSAGES: • In the immediate future it is recommended that radiology researchers should maintain individual responsibility for their career path, but this should be actively facilitated by their peer group. • A research career should be encouraged to commence during residency and include an increased proportion of wet laboratory work focussed on biologic topics. • Production of peer-reviewed publications should remain a high priority. • Flexibility in professional schedules should be facilitated to allow dedicated periods for formal research. • Research programmes should be measured by the number of successful research-based personnel involved, in addition to the bibliography.