What Research Is Conducted at OHSU?

Updated

OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University) conducts research across medicine, dentistry, and health care delivery, with a stated mission to heal, teach, and discover. Its research spans laboratory science, clinical trials, and community-focused studies. Recent examples highlighted on the site include a study on telehealth support for autism, a first-in-patient drug therapy for a heart condition, and an $11 million dental health research award. Researchers can also find dedicated resources through OHSU.

Research Overview

OHSU describes research as one of its three core missions, alongside patient care and education. The research enterprise covers:

  • Basic and translational science — laboratory work aimed at understanding disease mechanisms and moving findings toward treatments.
  • Clinical research — studies involving patients, including trials of new drugs and therapies.
  • Health services and delivery research — work on how care is provided, such as telehealth models.
  • Dental and oral health research — including prevention and microbiology of tooth decay.

The site notes that OHSU "treats the most complex health needs in the region, makes discoveries that save lives and educates next-generation health professionals," framing research as directly connected to patient care.

Recent Research News Examples

The OHSU News section provides concrete illustrations of the kinds of studies underway. Three examples from the site:

Telehealth Support for Autism

OHSU will lead a study to test telehealth support for autism. Researchers want to see if online care modules can help families with young children. The stated goal is to improve outcomes without long waits or expensive visits.

New Drug for a Heart Condition

An Oregon patient is the first to receive a new drug for a heart condition. An OHSU cardiologist reports the first-ever successful therapy for nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The patient said, "This drug gives me hope for the future."

Dental Health Research Funding

OHSU received $11 million in funds for research on dental health. Tooth decay affects about 2.7 billion people. Researchers hope to better target the microbes that help cause decay, and they also want to use helpful bacteria to prevent it.

These examples show a range from behavioral/telehealth interventions to first-in-human drug therapy to microbiology and prevention.

Resources for Researchers

The OHSU site lists "Resources for researchers" as a distinct section, indicating that the institution provides support and information for those conducting research. The site also highlights "OHSU research in the news," which serves as a public-facing window into ongoing work.

For those interested in working at OHSU, the site notes: "When you join OHSU, you become part of our missions to heal, teach and discover."

What This Means for You

  • If you are considering OHSU for care, the research examples suggest that some patients may have access to newer therapies through studies — though eligibility and availability are determined by the specific study and clinical team.
  • If you are a prospective student or researcher, OHSU presents research as central to its identity, with dedicated resources and news highlighting active projects.
  • If you are following health research, the OHSU News section is the main entry point for recent findings and funded studies.

For the most current information on specific studies, eligibility, or researcher resources, consult OHSU's official pages directly, as research portfolios and funding change over time.