Measuring the payback of research activities: A feasible ex-post evaluation methodology in epidemiology and public health

► Reports on a feasible and reliable tool for ex-post evaluation of public health small-scale research projects in Spain. ► Over 170 projects representing €2 million investment were assessed as regards research groups' impact and social payback. ► Projects boosting researchers' mobility and new research methods showed a high impact on a group's scientific performance. ► 82% of research projects provided actual or potential social benefits, and thus, showed a considerable return on investment.