Data Visualization and Figure Design for Scientists (2 days)

Target Group

All PhD students

Content

Visual communication is key for the scientific discourse – as figures in papers, slides for talks, and posters and increasingly also as graphical abstracts, interactive visualizations, and online databases. However, visual communication strategies for scientific data are not part of the scientific curriculum.  

This workshop provides a general training in scientific visual communication and data presentation. Participants will learn to read and create clear scientific visualizations that can be used in figures, slides or posters.

Please note: we will not use specific software in this course, students are encouraged to use pen and paper during the design process, however, we may look at, and discuss advantages/disadvantages for common software such as R, sigmaplot, Matlab, Illustrator, Powerpoint, and Excel.

Teaching Methods

• lectures
• exercises in small groups
• discussion of individual data visualization challenges from the members of the group.

We will have six lecture blocks each followed by relevant exercises that allow participants to apply their new knowledge to example cases. The exercises are a mix of group work and individual problem sets. We will use breakout rooms and discussion boards to exchange ideas and content. Here, we will have a “Visual Session” where we look and discuss figures sets together.

Important: discussion of individual data visualization challenges requires students to share a work-in-progress with the members of the group.

This workshop will help you

• identify the key characteristics of good visualization
• be able to read and create clear scientific visualizations that can be used in figures, slides or posters

• understand what data needs a figure
• choose chart types
• increase the legibility of your tables and figures by considering graphic design principles
• avoid misrepresentation: understand the ethics and truthfulness in data presentation

Instructor: Helena Jambor, PhD 

Number of participants: maximum 18

Registration deadline: 3 March, 2025

Registration: sign up here 

Cancellation Policy: read here