gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Research is crucial for the survival, growth and expansion of neurosurgery. A survey of neurosurgical articles published between 1996 and 2009 identified that 38% of research was conducted in the US, with just 2 EU countries listed in the top 5 (Germany 6.3% and the UK 4.2%) [1]. There is also a need for appropriate avenues of funding to be widely publicised and easily accessible. Our objective is to promote and encourage neurosurgical clinical research throughout Europe. ,1JS Hauptman, DS Chow, NA Martin. Research productivity in neurosurgery: trends in globalization, scientific focus, and funding A review. J Neurosurg. 2011. 115:1262–1272

Methods: Methods employed to promote research include an EU registry of multicentre trials, directory of academic neurosurgeons with associated subspecialty interests, a dedicated section on the UK neurosurgical website and regular updates of recruitment and trials status at national and international forums.

Results: To date there are 15 multicentre national trials and 7 international trials open to recruitment, which are registered on the UK neurosurgical database.

Conclusion: We aim to increase awareness and participation in neurosurgical research throughout the EU without developing trial fatigue.