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Rofo 2025; 197(04): 424-435
DOI: 10.1055/a-2350-0023
Academic Radiology

Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany – results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Franz Wegner 
1   Institute for Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
,
Helen Heinrichs
2   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN9165)
,
Katharina Stahlmann
3   Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN37734)
,
Isabel Molwitz 
4   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN37734)
,
Sarah Keller-Yamamura
5   Department of Radiology, Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN14903)
,
Roman Kloeckner 
1   Institute for Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
,
Jörg Barkhausen
6   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
,
Tobias Bäuerle
7   Institute of Radiology, University Medical Center, Erlangen, Germany
,
Clemens C Cyran
8   Department of Radiology, LMU University Hospital München, München, Germany
,
Matthias Dietzel 
7   Institute of Radiology, University Medical Center, Erlangen, Germany
,
Michel Eisenblätter
9   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital OWL of Bielefeld University Campus Hospital Lippe, Detmold, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN38694)
,
Ingrid Hilger
10   Experimental Radiology, University Medical Center Jena, Jena, Germany
,
Caroline Jung
11   Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Clinic Nordfriesland, Husum, Germany
,
Fritz Schick
12   Experimental Radiology, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
,
Fabian Kiessling 
2   Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN9165)
13   Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN201971)
,
Peter Bannas
4   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN37734)
› Author AffiliationsSupported by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research; Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung 01GP1910A
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Abstract

Purpose

Investigation of motivation and identification of success factors in radiology research in Germany.

Materials and Methods

Using a German online survey (54 questions, period: 3.5 months), demographic aspects, intrinsic and extrinsic success characteristics, as well as personal and organizational success factors were surveyed based on a career success model. The survey results were reported descriptively. The correlations between success factors and success characteristics were examined using linear, binary-logistic, and multinomial regression models.

Results

176 people (164 academically active, 10 not academically active) answered the survey. Most participants (80%, 139/174) worked at a university hospital. 32% had privatdozent or professor as their highest academic title (56/173). The researchers' main motivation was intrinsic interest in research (55%, 89/163), followed by a desire to increase their own career opportunities (25%, 41/163). The following were identified as factors for intrinsic success: i) support from department management (estimate=β=0.26, p<0.001), ii) good work-life balance (β=0.37, p<0.001), and iii) the willingness to pursue science even after reaching the career goal (β=0.16, p<0.016). Relevant factors for extrinsic scientific success were mentoring, protected research time, and activities in professional societies.

Conclusion

Researchers in German radiology are mainly intrinsically motivated. Factors known from the literature that determine intrinsic and extrinsic scientific success were confirmed in this study. Knowledge of these factors allows targeted systematic support and could thus increase scientific success in German radiology.

Key Points

  • Main motivation for German radiology research is intrinsic interest, followed by career opportunities.

  • Factors for intrinsic scientific success are good work-life balance and support by department management.

  • Factors for extrinsic scientific success are mentoring, activities in professional societies, and protected research time.

Citation Format

  • Wegner F, Heinrichs H, Stahlmann K et al. Motivation and success factors in radiological research in Germany – results of a survey by the Methodology and Research Working Group of the German Radiological Society. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2025; 197: 424–435

Keywords

success factors - scientific success - survey - radiological research


Publication History

Received: 25 March 2024

Accepted after revision: 03 June 2024

Article published online:
25 July 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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