Role of pharmacy education and pharmacy practice in developing pharmacists as researchers in Austria

Clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice research in Austria has evolved more slowly than in some other countries, but recent years have seen notable progress. Geographic disparities still limit access in certain regions, yet policymakers increasingly acknowledge the essential role of pharmacies, while remaining focused on cost containment. Curricula at universities vary, with most universities still focussing on pharmaceutical chemistry and traditional content and one university teaching pharmacotherapy and medication review to a higher extent. The switch to the bachelor's and master's degree system has increased research involvement, as all pharmacy students must complete two original research projects for their theses. These projects often interact with pharmacy practice. Various postgraduate pathways support continued involvement in research. Fostered by the theses, pharmacy education develops research competence across the entire cohort rather than limiting it to a small academic subset. However, maintaining research engagement after graduation remains difficult. Once pharmacists enter practice, particularly in community settings, limited institutional links, lack of protected time, and scarce funding opportunities tend to interrupt this trajectory. A few postgraduate programs provide structured pathways to continue academic or clinical research, yet participation is optional and dependent on individual motivation. Strengthening continuity between academic training and professional environments would help consolidate the existing research competencies and foster a more sustainable research culture within the profession. The recently introduced mandatory system of continuing professional education further supports this development by bringing academia and practitioners closer together and by promoting a culture of shared learning and ongoing inquiry. Although the number of clinical pharmacists remains relatively low, their presence on hospital wards is expanding and increasingly valued, while community pharmacies are also beginning to offer clinical pharmacy services. Strengthening Austria's pharmacy profession requires closer alignment between educational reform, professional practice, and health policy. Policymakers should make more systematic use of pharmacists' competencies as accessible first points of contact within primary care. Expanding their scope to include structured involvement in the pharmacotherapy of prevalent chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as in screening and prevention programs, would not only improve population health but also bring translational research closer to everyday pharmacy practice. Evidence demonstrates that Austrian pharmacists are well prepared for expanded clinical responsibilities and show high professional motivation to assume such roles. These developments should be accompanied by targeted curricular reforms that strengthen clinical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration, and applied research competencies. International collaboration and participation in European research and education networks can further enhance Austria's research capacity and harmonize national progress with global best practices. By bridging policy, education, and professional development, pharmacists can evolve from their current multifaceted roles into active contributors to patient-centred research and evidence-based healthcare, while remaining closely connected to continuous education and research.