Oslo University Hospital is a merger of three former university hospitals in Oslo. Biomedical research is one of the hospital's core activities. Research at the hospital is closely interlinked with research undertaken at the University of Oslo. More than 50% of all biomedical research in Norway is published by researchers affiliated with the hospital. Research undertaken cover both basic research, translational research, and clinical research.

Oslo University Hospital has a central role in developing and supporting biomedical research within the South-Eastern Regional Health Authority. The hospital also pursues international research collaborations.