Improve your data visualization skills

Effective visualizations improve understanding. Resources like Data to Viz, Exploratory, and Visual Vocabulary support better chart choices and visual communication.

As part of the ViroiDoc project, Doctoral Candidates (DCs) participated in a training session entitled “Data Visualization” in February 2026, on improving the interpretation and communication of scientific data.

Data visualization plays a key role in modern research by helping scientists identify patterns, compare results, and communicate complex findings in a clear and accessible way. Effective visualizations support both scientific understanding and knowledge exchange with broader audiences.

During the training, DCs learned how different visualization methods can highlight different aspects of the same dataset, and how choosing the right chart depends on the communication goal and the target audience. The session covered essential design principles such as clarity, context, and transparency, as well as the use of colour, typography, and layout to guide interpretation and avoid visual bias.

Special attention was given to accessibility, including designing figures that remain readable for colour-blind viewers, simplifying visuals to reduce cognitive load, and using direct labelling instead of overly complex legends.

The training introduced practical resources such as Data to Viz, Exploratory and Visual Vocabulary to support informed chart selection, and encouraged participants to seek inspiration from examples of effective visual communication, including Journal Data Viz Challenge on Instagram or exploratory tool example theRare Diseases Observatory by JSI.

The session was delivered by Dr. Alenka Guček from Josef Stefan Institute (JSI), an associated partner of the ViroiDoc project, and equipped DCs with transferable skills to enhance the clarity, accessibility, and impact of their scientific outputs.

Photo source: Local PI(4,5)P2 signaling inhibits fusion pore expansion during exocytosis by Muhmmad Omar-Hmeadi, Alenka Guček, Sebastian Barg in Cell Press Journal (2023).