The University has made remarkable achievements in scientific research by adhering to the policy of “revitalizing the university by applying scientific and educational advances”, enhancing awareness of innovation, paying special attention to basic scientific research, strengthening applied scientific research, highlighting military medical research and paying attention to the integration of science, technology and medicine and to the integration of basic medicine and clinical medicine.

The University possesses 5 post-doctoral mobile stations covering biology, basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, public health and preventive medicine, and pharmacy; 3 Grade I and 45 Grade II and III branches of learning entitled to offering Ph.D. degree; 7 key subjects of "Project 211" including physiology, medical genetics, nautical medicine, hepatobiliary surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, field surgery, and pharmaceutical chemistry; 3 CPLA key branches of learning and laboratories for training medical graduates; 5 key branches of learning as leading medical specialties in Shanghai; 5 CPLA medical research institutes; 10 CPLA special medical centers; and 9 CPLA key medical laboratories.

During the 9th “Five-year Plan” Period, the University undertook 639 research projects of national, ministerial or provincial levels, the buget amounting to 11338.9 thousand RMB. Among them, 301 research projects were granted by the National Natural Science Fund of China, ranking first in national medical colleges and universities and the 12th in all colleges and universities. Professor CAO Xuetao, working as the chief scientist, received grants from the National Key Basic Research Development Program ("973" Project) . Since 1978, the University has undertaken more than 1,574 research projects of national, ministerial or provincial levels, occupying a front position in national medical colleges and universities.