Understanding the scientific enterprise as both a creator of “scientific beauty” and bridge to practical applications and impacts poses real challenges for understanding impacts of scientific endeavors. What scientific advancements occur? And what are the ranges of benefits and outcomes that are evident from these processes? Today’s funded science community functions within a larger system of accountability -- one that values the “beauty” of evidence-based decision-making, meaningful feedback on the progress of scientific endeavors, and accurate assessment of the outcomes of science. The social science community has made considerable advancement in evaluative metrics and approaches to the study of scientific collaboration, and related outcomes of scientific communities, in an increasingly complex global and interdisciplinary environment. Yet, significant challenges exist in the accurate and appropriate measurement of scientific outcomes, but also in effective interim measures that demonstrate progress toward intended outcomes. This means addressing not only the technical aspects of scientific progress, but also the nuanced social aspects of what constitutes effective and productive collaboration. It also means assessing the societal and other applied effects of scientific activities. This panel addresses these challenges, presenting new evaluative methods that target practical policy issues that decision-makers regularly encounter.