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 to contribute to developing this medical speciality and establish 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, a satellite centre under the Odense unit was established in Esbjerg.
Since 1992, the research unit has grown significantly. The staff is experienced in epidemiological and clinical research, with strong traditions in register-based and questionnaire-based research. As the unit has become increasingly interdisciplinary, many of the researchers also employ qualitative research methods.