The Health Studies and Research Group from the University of Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil, aims to collectively construct knowledge in order to transform society, as well as improvement of health knowledge. The objective of this article is to report the experiences of the Health Studies and Research Group during its nine years of existence. It describes its trajectory, activities, and projects developed; reflects on the investigative direction; scores favorable and limiting aspects of research practices. The experience report was used as a methodological plan and resulted in research with qualitative focus, within the public health/family health line of research; participation in student training through stimulating group work; and participation in scientific events and knowledge production. The aspects scored along this trajectory were constituted from a new group, formed by members with recent investigative practice and who belong to a communitarian university. Undoubtedly, these factors have been important in establishing the group's history.
Research groups; Public health; Family health