INTRODUCTION:
Health workforce training can be a catalyst for generating knowledge applied to universal health systems. Research developed in real-world practice settings produces local evidence, innovation, and the evaluation of services. This study reports on the experience of the Multiprofessional Residency Program of the Ceará School of Public Health (RESMULTI-ESP/CE) in organizing scientific production as a structuring component of training and strengthening the Unified Health System (SUS).

METHODS:
This report describes research management practices at RESMULTI-ESP/CE, supporting over 900 active residents across different SUS settings. Scientific production is structured through the Residency Completion Project. In the first year, residents elaborate and qualify their project. In the second year, they develop and submit a scientific article, guided by professionals with at least a master’s degree. Research management has strengthened the conduct of field studies in practice settings, with submission to the Human Research Ethics Committees.

RESULTS:
The systematic integration of research into training promotes the development of skills in scientific methodology, critical analysis and the production of evidence applied to the SUS. The research conducted addresses concrete problems in health services, fostering innovation, evaluation of care processes, and strengthening the integration of teaching, service, and research. The requirement to submit to scientific journals enhances the quality of the research produced and contributes to the dissemination of knowledge generated within the residency program.

CONCLUSIONS:
The experience of RESMULTI-ESP/CE shows that large-scale multiprofessional residencies can act as strategic hubs for applied scientific production, strengthening the academic legitimacy of in-service training and improving universal health systems by producing local, ethical, and socially-oriented evidence.