The role of research in education

Summary The place of research in the training of anaesthetists is confused. Although recognized as important, there are no indications of how the appropriate exposure should be achieved. We believe that it is not necessary for trainees to be forced to complete a ‘research rotation’. Rather, the importance of research in the activity of a University Department of Anaesthesia needs to be valued and recognized. Those in training who express an interest to be involved should be encouraged and their programmes adjusted to allow them to participate. The emphasis should be on providing the appropriate environment and not on coercion. Those intending a career in anaesthesia research are likely to require additional research training to enable them to attract grant support. Our most successful and interested trainees should be encouraged and supported to pursue higher degrees, perhaps concurrently with their anaesthetic training.