Advancing Impact Reporting in National and Global Research Networks: The Role of the Translational Science Benefits Model and other Impact Frameworks

This collection is a Volume II of the Research Topic Impact Evaluation using the Translational Science Benefits Model Framework in the National Center for Advancing Translational Science Clinical and Translational Science Award Program.Three themes emerged from the previous Research Topic: (1) the Translational Science Benefits Model’s (TSBM) versatility and methodological insights, (2) knowledge translation as a pathway to longer-term impacts, and (3) advancing translational science. Building on this work, the second volume seeks data-driven manuscripts that advance the science and practice of impact evaluation in translational science. Studies may examine how the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) informs organizational decision-making and resource allocation within and beyond CTSA hubs, as well as identify limitations and complementary impact evaluation frameworks. Research demonstrating how evaluation findings drive change, including shifts in funding decisions, research priorities, or program design are especially encouraged. Such evidence can move the field beyond documenting impact toward demonstrating how impact evaluation informs organizational priorities, strategies, scientific advancement, and performance improvement.In contrast to the first volume, the second volume aims to cover what has been learned from TSBM applications, particularly whether and how impact evaluation informs decisions, strategy, resource allocation, research practice, and outcomes. This volume will build on prior findings by moving beyond conceptual design toward implementation and evaluation. Priority will be given to data-driven manuscripts examining how impact frameworks inform resource allocation, organizational strategy, and performance. Studies evaluating tools and instruments to operationalize research impact are also encouraged.Importantly, this invitation expands beyond the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program to reflect the growing adoption of research impact evaluation. Submissions are welcomed from research organizations, health care systems, and research networks worldwide, including initiatives such as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and international collaborators applying the TSBM in diverse contexts.More than 75% of CTSA hubs have reported applying the TSBM. Sharing applications across diverse research networks—including successes, implementation challenges, limitations, adaptations, and contexts where the TSBM may not be well suited—is essential to understanding and refining the framework. Comparing the TSBM with other models and frameworks for assessing translational science impact will further strengthen our ability to examine and communicate contributions to health and societal benefits and inform the future development of impact evaluation.The scope of this Research Topic includes advances in data collection methodology, analysis, and results from the application of the TSBM in contexts extending beyond the CTSA program. Specific themes might include, but are not limited to:• TSBM applications and implementation:- Data-rich publications using quantitative and/or qualitative measures within the TSBM framework.- Application of TSBM results to improve operations and translational science in CTSA hubs and other research networks.- TSBM as an educational intervention to train junior investigators in translational science impact.• Broader settings and outcomes:- Examples of international applications of the TSBM and other impact models.- Application of TSBM to improve health care delivery systems.- Examples of TSBM used to track research findings into public health practice, policy, and legislative initiatives.• Longitudinal and domain-specific impact:- Longitudinal evaluations showing potential and demonstrated impact in specific TSBM domains and research areas, such as commercialization, software development, and public health policy change.• Impact measurement and evaluation methods:- Studies evaluating tools and instruments for operationalizing research impact.- Examples of impact assessment or evaluation that go beyond bibliometrics and emphasize real-world impact.- Promising approaches or frameworks for impact measurement beyond the TSBM. Topic editors: Pamela Davidson, PhD, Douglas Luke, Joe Hunt, Jessica Sperling, Emmanuel Tetteh, Anna La Manna Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85080/advancing-impact-reporting-in-national-and-global-research-networks-the-role-of-the-translational-science-benefits-model-and-other-impact-frameworks