# Declining research interest among oncology residents: insights into the academic career from a nationwide longitudinal study in France

## TL;DR

French oncology residents show declining interest in research and academic careers over time due to lack of time, mentorship, and funding.

## Contribution

Longitudinal insights into the academic career trajectory of French oncology residents reveal a significant decline in research interest and academic aspirations.

## Key findings

- Research interest dropped from 79.4% in 2020 to 63.3% in 2023.
- Interest in MSc and PhD programs decreased by over 50% during residency.
- Lack of time, mentorship, and financial support were the main barriers to academic engagement.

## Abstract

Oncology demands both high-quality clinical care and continuous research innovation. Yet, sustaining an academic workforce remains a challenge. Although prior studies have explored residents' motivations, longitudinal insights into their evolving academic interests are lacking.

We conducted a nationwide, longitudinal survey of French oncology residents (2020-2023), targeting first-year cohorts annually. The study included residents from both medical oncology and radiation oncology. The 42-item questionnaire assessed academic aspirations, research involvement, clinical workload, and career priorities.

Among 498 eligible residents, 377 responded (75.7%). Over time, interest in research declined (79.4% in 2020 versus 63.3% in 2023, P < 0.05), as did intentions to pursue Master of Science (MSc) (32.3% versus 17.4%) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs (17.6% versus 7.3%). Notably, access to supervised research time improved (22.6% to 37.4%, P < 0.05), yet scientific society memberships fell (43.5% to 25.2%). Of residents responding more than once (n = 54), 44.4% abandoned PhD aspirations. Key barriers included lack of time (65.1%), mentorship (44.1%), and financial support (31.6%).

Our findings reveal a worrying decline in academic engagement among French oncology residents, echoing global trends. Addressing this requires structured mentorship, protected research time, and flexible academic pathways to sustain the clinician-scientist pipeline.

•Longitudinal survey of 377 French oncology residents (2020-2023).•Research motivation declined from 79% to 63% over 4 years.•MSc and PhD interest dropped by half during residency training.•Mentorship, time, and funding identified as main barriers.

Longitudinal survey of 377 French oncology residents (2020-2023).

Research motivation declined from 79% to 63% over 4 years.

MSc and PhD interest dropped by half during residency training.

Mentorship, time, and funding identified as main barriers.