A metric used to assess the relative importance of scholarly journals dedicated to the field bridging basic research with clinical practice and public health outcomes. It reflects the frequency with which articles in a particular journal are cited within a defined period. For instance, a value of 5 suggests that, on average, articles published in that journal within the previous two years have been cited five times.
This numerical indicator provides researchers, institutions, and funding agencies with a tool for evaluating the influence and visibility of journals within the translational science domain. A higher value typically signals greater prominence and reach within the scientific community. Historically, it has served as a benchmark, albeit with recognized limitations, for gauging the dissemination and impact of research findings in this interdisciplinary field. Its application aids in strategic decision-making regarding publication venues and resource allocation.