The first research unit for general practice in Denmark was established in 1978 in Copenhagen. The aim was to strengthen research in the field of general practice and family medicine, thereby contributing to the development of this medical speciality and establishing it as an academic field.

The research unit in Aarhus was established in 1992, the research unit in Odense in 1993, and the research unit in Aalborg in 2015. The research unit in Aalborg now forms part of the Centre for General Medicine at Aalborg University. In 2022, an additional centre was established in Esbjerg under the unit in Odense.

Since 1992, the research unit in Aarhus has undergone significant growth. The staff is experienced in epidemiological and clinical research, with strong traditions in register-based and questionnaire-based research. With the increasing interdisciplinarity, a growing number of researchers have adopted qualitative research methodologies.