The Department of Regional Health Research (IRS) is a network of research environments and teaching activities anchored at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and 12 hospitals across the Regions of Southern Denmark, Zealand, and the Capital Region. Together with the Department of Clinical Research, IRS forms the university partner and organisational framework for clinical research and education.

Established in 2007 in the Region of Southern Denmark, IRS has since expanded to include staff in research groups at 12 hospitals across the Region of Zealand, the Region of Southern Denmark, and the Capital Region. IRS focuses on building and supporting sustainable research environments and education.

The department supports research that takes a holistic view of the human being, with a particular emphasis on patient care pathways that span sectors, hospitals, and disciplines. IRS is characterised by broad academic diversity and a network of engaged individuals who foster collaboration and make room for involvement.

IRS facilitates collaboration and coordination across research units and hospitals. It serves as an organisational framework for clinical research and education, linking research environments and academic disciplines across different geographical locations. Although IRS does not have a single physical location, it is a shared community where researchers, students, and staff keep their doors open to share research, skills, and infrastructure.

The IRS Research Strategy will be published on 1 January 2026.