Evaluating Translational Science Impact with TSBM: A Value-Based Analytics Portfolio Analysis

INTRODUCTION: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Value-Based Analytics and Solutions (UVAS) supports research projects strong in the TSBM economic domain and indicators. The aim of this evaluation research is to create a portfolio to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for accelerating impact.

METHODS: We adapted the UCLA Longitudinal Scientific Achievement Survey (LSAS-I) to incorporate the TSBM indicators, with the addition of several new translational science indicators. The new indicators are used to identify projects that reflect CTSA Program principles of efficiency/speed and generalizability. The adapted survey captures impact data on currently sponsored (intramural) UVAS projects. Responses will be analyzed to generate the UVAS portfolio of projects that we will track longitudinally, for up to five additional years, to assess TSBM impact and new grants generated from the pilot funding. 

RESULTS: The adapted LSAS-I identified multiple active UVAS projects with demonstrated and potential translational science impact (n=23 projects). Scientific Achievement Translational Science Impact (SATSI) scoring revealed strong performance in early translational milestones, with emerging impact in economic, clinical and medical, community and public health, and policy and legislative domains. The portfolio highlights high-impact investigators, projects, and potential impact where additional expertise, resources, services, and support could be used to accelerate benefits and impact. 

DISCUSSION: The SATSI portfolio analysis provides insight into strengths, gaps, and return on  investment (ROI), enabling strategic planning and evidence-based continuous quality improvement. These findings help prioritize high-impact projects and guide actions to accelerate impact across the UVAS portfolio.