Wissenschaft und Forschung in der Ergotherapie voranbringen - Gründung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ergotherapiewissenschaft (DGEW) und der Deutschen Ergotherapie Stiftung (DETS).

Occupational therapy research in Germany lags behind in its development when compared internationally, partly also because of its only recent change to introducing academic-based qualifications in occupational therapy. In order to promote a stronger research and science orientation in German occupational therapy, the German association of occupational therapists (Deutscher Verband der Ergotherapeuten - DVE) has initiated regular network meetings between Universities and research institutions. At the last meeting dated 24. November 2017 at the University of Applied Science and Art (HAWK) in Hildesheim, the decision was taken to found a German society for Occupational Therapy science (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ergotherapie Wissenschaft - DGEW). The constituent meeting for the DGEW is scheduled for the 26. November 2018 at the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin (ASH), where regulations will be formulated and a board elected. In a subsequent step and in support of the DGEW, a German Occupational Therapy Foundation (Deutsche Ergotherapie Stiftung - DETS) will be established, to provide financial support to research activities. In this paper the initial goals and objectives are prioritised for both these future organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]