Colors and visual strategies in structural and cellular biology

The art and science of molecular representation has been developed in the last decades to a high degree of sophistication. Several solutions have been proposed to show the invisible; for objects (proteins, cellular parts, small molecules) it is now relatively straightforward to obtain a 3d shape that can be shown in print, video or other 3D interactive ways. Other invisible concepts, such as potentials, pH, motion and environmental conditions, often important for the comprehension of biological phenomena, can be displayed in various ways. 

The aim of the workshop is to discuss possible paths that may lead to the harmonization of these representations. Experts from different fields (structural and cellular biology, computer graphics, semiotics, visual studies, visual design, scientific journals and books, education, information design and more) will explore the many options technically available in terms of content communication, ease of use (in the production and in the fruition), and aesthetic quality.  

While the potential developments around the subject are much more than it can be discussed in a week, we hope to conclude the workshop with a general agreement on the use of symbols, colors and other graphic means, and with a proposal for developing an implementation avenue, such as a research project for testing and evaluating the proposed ideas. The workshop discussions and outcomes will be the subject of a white paper to propose to the community at large. 
 

Provisional program  
Day 1 will be dedicated to reciprocal sharing of knowledge, language, tools and contribution to the workshop topic. A social activity in the evening will also help to ease interaction among people from very disparate cultures and fields. 

On Day 2 we will analyze scientific concepts that are important in structural and cellular images. An analysis of the current methods will help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different options currently used. 

The discussion in day 3 will explore which visual features are most appropriate for representing which biological feature, also in relation to the communication channel (print, animated video, interactive…) and to the technical possibilities and limitations, both in production and in fruition. 

Day 4 will see a continuation of the discussions from the previous days, possibly in groups, and initial brainstorming around possible proposals for the outcomes of the workshop: white paper, proposal for a major international research program, or other possible solutions. 

On day 5 we will finalize the outline of the white paper, distribute tasks and organize its publication, evaluate plans for future actions and organize accordingly.