Developing human functioning and rehabilitation research. Part I: Academic training programs.

Key to building research capacity is the development of a qualified workforce. This requires the establishment of academic training programs and the creation of attractive research career opportunities. The adoption of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as unifying conceptual model for rehabilitation, the emergence of distinct scientific fields of human functioning and rehabilitation research, and the change to Bachelor and Master degrees in Europe provide opportunities to initiate academic training programs in human functioning and rehabilitation research. Applied training includes certificate programs in rehabilitation effectiveness and Masters and Doctoral programs in rehabilitation with specializations, e.g. in rehabilitation studies, management, education and rehabilitation counseling. Scientifically-oriented training includes Masters of Science and PhD programs in human functioning sciences and integrative rehabilitation sciences. There is also potential for collaborative Masters and Doctoral programs with the rehabilitation professions, movement sciences, psychology and the behavioral and social sciences. When initiating the process to develop these programs, one may learn from and co-operate with established programs in public health.