Background: Measuring and communicating the societal impact of health research is essential for translating scientific discoveries into public health benefits. Traditional academic metrics often overlook the broader effects of research on health, policy, and communities. Addressing this gap, our project integrates the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) into research training at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. By equipping researchers with structured tools to evaluate and articulate their impact, we aim to strengthen academic-practice linkages and enhance public health research translation.

Methods: This initiative embeds TSBM impact evaluation training into clinical and translational science programs. Researchers engage in interactive workshops and consultations to apply the model to their projects and develop dissemination products showcasing real-world applications. A mixed-methods evaluation using surveys, interviews, and dissemination tracking assesses changes in participants’ capacity for demonstrating and communicating research impact across clinical, community, economic, and policy domains.

Results: Preliminary findings indicate increased researcher capacity to document translational outcomes, improved stakeholder engagement, and enhanced communication of research benefits to policymakers, funders, and the public. Early-career scientists report greater confidence in demonstrating the societal value of their work, supporting workforce development and evidence-based decision-making.

Conclusion: This project underscores the role of academic-practice partnerships in advancing health equity and strengthening the public health workforce. By integrating structured impact assessment into research training, we bridge academia and practice, ensuring public health research delivers tangible benefits. This scalable model aligns research with real-world health improvements, reinforcing the national priority of actionable public health research.