The future of radiology research

The field of radiology has grown significantly over the past 25 years. This can in large part be attributed to advances in research and, indeed, the future of the field depends on this continued tradition. Although funding to radiology research has increased substantially in the past decade, much of the research is being carried out by researchers who are not radiologists, with research funding being distributed accordingly. There are clear indications that too few radiologists are performing research for a variety of reasons, including a shortage of time, training and manpower. At the same time, there are indications that radiologists-in-training (fellows, residents and medical students) are interested in a future dual clinical-research career. We review the issues pertinent to research in radiology, with a focus on interventional radiology, at a time when the fostering of research in radiology has become of paramount importance.