[Challenges and potential of geriatric research in Germany-Insights from the GERisearch survey]

High-quality contributions to international aging research and the advancement of geriatrics in Germany require physicians who are both clinically and scientifically active.

Investigation of the research activity, research interests and research conditions of physicians working in geriatrics in Germany, in order to identify the scientific potential, structural barriers and areas in need of support.

In a nationwide online cross-sectional survey, data were collected on the professional situation, and research activity, as well as research interests and obstacles.

Among 273 participants one third were scientifically active, one third not interested and one third fundamentally interested but currently inactive. The largest proportion of scientifically active participants (47%) worked at university hospitals with a chair in geriatrics, where the highest research satisfaction was reported. The most frequently cited barrier was the limited compatibility of clinical work and research (49%). At nonuniversity hospitals without a chair in geriatrics many participants were interested in research but inactive and workplace-related obstacles predominated (55%). Men more often held a doctoral degree or habilitation and were more often active in research. Women accounted for two thirds of interested but inactive participants in research and expressed particular interest in polypharmacy (59%) and nutritional medicine (40%).

Targeted measures are needed to strengthen geriatric research in Germany, particularly to support women and physicians at nonuniversity institutions. Key strategies include mentoring, protected research time and expansion of chairs in geriatrics. Despite structural barriers, interest in research remains high.