Joint clinical research strategy shows first results
A joint strategy between the Faculty of Health and Aarhus University Hospital aims to strengthen clinical research. Halfway through implementation, several concrete initiatives are underway.
In 2023, the Faculty of Health and Aarhus University Hospital launched a joint research strategy to strengthen clinical health research.
The strategy aims to create better conditions for researchers working at the intersection of clinical practice and research, focusing on research leadership, career paths, patient involvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The implementation period is now halfway through. Several initiatives have been launched, and valuable lessons have been learned from the first two years of work.
The strategy was developed in close collaboration between the Faculty of Health and research environments in the Central Denmark Region and has set a direction for how clinical research can be strengthened.
"Halfway through the strategy period, we can see that the collaboration is working. The next two years are about building on that foundation – adjusting where necessary and continuing work on the initiatives where it makes sense, both in daily practice at the departments and at management level," says Jørgen Frøkiær, Head of the Department of Clinical Medicine.
What has been launched?
- Cross-departmental mentorships: A pilot program has been completed with positive feedback. The model is expected to be offered more widely in 2026.
- Research leadership course: A new course is under development focusing on how research groups can function as engines of development in clinical settings. A pilot course is planned for spring 2026.
- Patient involvement in research: Courses, guidelines, and articles have been developed to promote broader inclusion of patients in research projects.
- Reporting back to trial participants: Guidelines have been prepared in both slide and poster formats, making it easier to share key findings with participants.
- Data foundation for future research dialogues: A proposal for which data can form the basis for future dialogues between management levels is under development.
What have we learned?
The strategy is concrete and builds on researchers' own proposals to create ownership. This has generated ownership but also challenges in implementation.
Many parallel initiatives from the Central Denmark Region and the faculty have taken place, which have not always been coordinated with the strategy.
One implementation group has been dissolved but has delivered important recommendations, particularly regarding the need for better support for researchers in dual roles between the Faculty of Health and Aarhus University Hospital.
Chief Medical Officer at Aarhus University Hospital, Michael Braüner Schmidt, is satisfied with the work of the groups and the results so far.
"There has been intensive work in the implementation groups in close collaboration with researchers across organizations. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far – both in developing the strategy, in the implementation groups, and through questionnaires and feedback," he says.
What's underway?
- Research interest groups: Applications for startup funding will open in 2026 for groups working across disciplines and specialties.
- Patient databases in departments: A template package with guidance is in development, enabling departments to easily establish databases of patients who wish to participate in research.
- Grant applications and data access: Work is underway on examples and budget templates for grant applications, as well as clarification of rules for access to data and electronic health records for AU-affiliated researchers without formal affiliation to Aarhus University Hospital/Central Denmark Region.
- Follow-up on PhD and research positions: The strategy's goal of more associate and full professorships for researchers with health science professional backgrounds is being followed up.
The strategy will be evaluated in 2026-2027. The evaluation will examine what has succeeded and what has not, what difference the strategy has made for researchers and research environments, and what should happen when the strategy period expires.
Read more about the strategy for clinical health research.