The department addresses key public health challenges across a variety of levels, citizen, patient, organizations, and systems, from biological mechanisms to societal frameworks. We do so, drawing on a strong interdisciplinary approach and a broad range of research disciplines and competence including epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics, health promoting actions and clinical research. Our research is developed in close collaboration with national, regional, and international stakeholders and contributes to effective disease prevention and health promotion, improved patient pathways, effective use of medicines, optimal resource utilization, and evidence-based decision-making that strengthens the health and well-being of the population.
The department’s research encompasses a wide range of methodologies, including registry and population-based studies, epidemiological analyses, laboratory studies, intervention and implementation research, health economic evaluations, and qualitative, quantitative, multimethod, and mixed-methods approaches.
This broad academic profile provides a unique opportunity to illustrate health across clinical, societal, and occupational contexts and it creates a strong platform for research on the interface between citizens, patients, employees, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems.
Our Research Ambition
Our vision is, through research, education, and dissemination at the highest level, to contribute to improving human health and to exploring how to create a healthier society and a sustainable healthcare system characterized by high quality and equitable access.
We develop and disseminate new knowledge about diseases, preventions, treatments, and health, as well as the organization and governance of healthcare, with the shared goal of improving population health, enhancing well-being, and creating a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare.
Mission
We develop, apply, and disseminate research-based knowledge on health, with a particular focus on:
- Sustainable organization, prioritization, and management of healthcare resources
- Public health, disease prevention, and health promotion across population groups
- Safe and effective use of medicines and other xenobiotics to benefit human health
- Human health, development, and ageing, and the interplay between biological, social, and societal factors
- Integrated, patient- and citizen-centered healthcare pathways across sectors
- Greater health equity and more equitable access to relevant healthcare services
Our research is grounded in real-world challenges and conducted in close collaboration with external stakeholders.
Academic Foundation
The department consists of seven research units with approximately 280 employees in total:
- Danish Center for Health Economics
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine
- Research Unit for General Practice
- Research Unit for Health Promotion
- User Perspectives and Community-Based Interventions
- Center for Maritime Health and Technology
This combination of expertise makes it possible to analyze healthcare challenges from multiple perspectives.
Collaboration and Partnerships
The department is an attractive partner and workplace for national and international researchers and students.
In addition, we collaborate closely with:
- Regional and municipal authorities
- The pharmaceutical industry
- Clinical environments and hospitals
- National and international research institutions
- Political and administrative decision-makers
These collaborations ensure both high relevance and high impact.
Education and Talent Development
The department contributes to education and training at all levels:
- Ph.D education
- Research-based teaching at bachelor's, master's, and graduate levels
- Talent development programmes
We prioritize the development of the next generation of researchers as well as current and future employees and leaders within the healthcare sector.