Developing research capacity in human functioning and rehabilitation research from the comprehensive perspective based on the ICF-model.

With the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) the World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared the ground for a comprehensive understanding of Human Functioning and Rehabilitation Research integrating the biomedical perspective on impairment with the social model of disability. This poses a number of old and new challenges regarding the enhancement of adequate research capacity. Here the authors will summarize approaches to address these challenges with respect to three areas: the organization of Human Functioning and Rehabilitation Research into distinct scientific fields, the development of suitable academic training programs and the building of university centres and collaboration networks.