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Translational software research bridges the gap between scientific innovations and practical applications, driving impactful societal advancements. However, developing such software is challenging due to interdisciplinary collaboration, technology adoption, and postfunding sustainability. This article presents the experiences and insights of the Scalable Adaptive Graphics Environment (SAGE) team, which has spent two decades developing translational, cross-disciplinary, collaboration tools to benefit computational science research. With a focus on SAGE and its next-generation iterations, we explore the inherent challenges in translational research, such as fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, motivating technology adoption, and ensuring postfunding product sustainability. We also discuss the roles of funding agencies, policymakers, and academic institutions in promoting translational research. Although the journey is fraught with challenges, the societal impact and satisfaction derived from translational research underscore its significance in the broader scientific landscape. This article aims to encourage further conversation and the development of effective models for translational software projects. 

This article discusses the design and implementation of the Hawai'i Groundwater Recharge Tool, an application for providing data and analyses of the impacts of land-cover modifications and changes in precipitation on groundwater-recharge rates for the island of O'ahu. This application uses simulation data based on a set of 29 land-cover types and 2 precipitation conditions to provide users with real-time recharge calculations for interactively defined land-cover modifications. The tool provides two visualizations, representing the land cover for the island and the resultant groundwater-recharge rates, and a set of metrics indicating the changes to groundwater recharge for relevant areas to present a set of easily interpretable outcomes based on user-defined scenarios. Users have varying degrees of control over the granularity of data input and output, allowing for the quick production of a roughly defined scenario, or more precise land-cover definitions. These modifications can be exported for further analysis. Heuristics are used to provide a responsive user interface and performant integration with the database containing the full set of simulation data. This tool is designed to provide user-friendly access to the information on the impacts of land-cover and precipitation changes on groundwater-recharge rates needed to assist in making data-driven decisions.