May 12 – Manuela Simoni, Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, received a call from the Wissenschaftsrat WR – or the German National Council for Science – to join the working group on “The Future of Academic Medicine.” Professor Simoni is the first Italian professor to have the privilege of being named in this strategic body. The National Council for Science is an important advisory body that provides key recommendations to the German federal and regional governments in terms of content and structural development for higher education, science and research. The members are appointed by the President of the Republic among scientists from different disciplines listed by major research and technological development public funders of in Germany. The working group on “The Future of Academic Medicine” brings together 18 personalities: some permanent members of the WR, some called ad hoc, all under the leadership of President Hans -Jochen Heinze, director of neurology clinic at the University of Magdeburg. “Academic Medicine – says Simoni – is facing important challenges, such as demographic change, the epidemiology of chronic diseases, and global medical progress, resulting in the need for substantial resources and to rationalize the expenses of health systems. Academic Medicine must authoritatively contribute to the advancement of medical science in collaboration, but also in competition, with non-university research institutions, while remaining the main place for the training of doctors and other health professionals. In addition, Academic Medicine should make its added value clear in the healthcare environment, enhancing its strength: the institutional unity of research, teaching and care.”
