[Current status and progress in scientific rehabilitation research]

When compared to the entire field of health research, to the significance and role of rehabilitation in the health care system, to future developments in demand and to international developments, the field of rehabilitation in Germany has formerly suffered from a considerable deficit in research regarding both structure and content. The German Federal Ministry of Research and the German Statutory Pension Insurance have now established a common focus in research. This decision reflects not only a new political attitude toward the promotion of research but also represents the initiation of attempts to overcome existing research deficits permanently by means of an extensive programme for the promotion of research. In addition to the construction of a scientific infrastructure, the funders most importantly expect results that will contribute to the further optimisation of effectiveness and efficiency in rehabilitation services. An improved scientific foundation of rehabilitative practice will also assist the field of rehabilitation in finding greater socio-political recognition as an interdisciplinary field. In order to achieve the demanding goals of this promotion of research, the promoters will accompany the programme with efficient scientific management and quality assurance. The statutory pension insurance institutes will systematically analyse the expected research results and offer recommendations and suggestions for realisation in dialogue with scientific experts and specialist practitioners.