This course will give insights into, and practical experience in, data visualisation for exploring complex and multi-dimensional biological data.

Biological and life sciences data often consists of multiple dimensions: a combination of numerical values, ordered data, categories, and time-series. To make sense of this data, simple plots like scatterplots, barcharts, and boxplots are often not enough. Still, visualisation is critical in gaining deep insight into the data. This is why many custom visualisations originated in the biological field.

In this course, we will dive into the topic of visualisation of complex biological data and how it can be used to gain insight into and get a "feel" for a dataset, so that targeted analyses can be defined. It will be delivered through a mixture of lectures and workshop sessions, and will provide hands-on experience in developing visualisations. The course will focus on working with omics (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics) data rather than e.g. imaging data.

Who is this course for?

This course is targeted at biologists who want to explore and gain further insight into their own complex data through the use of visualisation, as well as people who help others explore their data or who develop data exploration tools to be used by others.

Prior programming experience is not strictly required but would be beneficial.

Applicants will be asked to provide detail on their level of programming ability and knowledge of visualisation tools as part of the application process. Applications will be considered based on several factors, including (but not limited to) the multiplication effect of the applicant following the course (i.e. what impact would it have to their environment), a diversity of fields that are represented, and availability of data.

Some pre-reading and exercises will be sent out to successful applicants prior to the course.

We recommend these free tutorials:

• Introduction to the Unix environment – https://swcarpentry.github.io/shell-novice/index.html
• Introduction to R – https://swcarpentry.github.io/r-novice-inflammation/ 
• Introduction to Python – http://swcarpentry.github.io/python-novice-gapminder/ 

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After the course you should be able to: 

• Apply theories of perception and cognition
• Identify frameworks to comprehend data visualisation
• Explain the concepts of visual design process
• Implement visualisations with Svelte

Course content

During this course you will learn about: 

• Image perception
• How to visualise data in the best possible way
• User experience for data visualisation
• How to use visualisation of complex biological data  to get insight into a dataset

Trainers

Please read our support page before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

• Complete the online application form.
• Ensure you add relevant information to the ‘submission details’ section where you are asked to provide information on your:
  • pre-requisite skills and knowledge
  • current work and course expectations
  • data availability
• Upload one letter of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague detailing reasons why you should be selected for the course.

Please submit all documents during the application process by 23:59 on 9 March 2025. Items marked * in the application are mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, unsuccessful) by 24 March 2025. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Meredith Willmott.

Registration fees

The registration fee includes:

• Catering as detailed on the course programme
• Accommodation for two nights (24 and 25 June)
• Bespoke course handbook with links to all course materials
• Use of a computer in the EMBL-EBI training suite throughout the course
• Secure virtual machines for practical sessions listed in the programme
• Shuttle bus on the final course day to Cambridge train station 

Onsite 

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available for a limited number of participants on this course.

Registration fee waivers

We are able to offer a limited number of registration fee waivers for this course. If you receive a waiver, your registration fee will be reimbursed after you have completed the course.

You will need to apply for the fee waiver at the same time as submitting your application for the course, explaining why you require the waiver and how attending this course will benefit your career.

You will be informed about whether you have received the waiver at the same time as you hear about the application outcome for the course. If your course application is successful, you will need to pay the registration fee at the time you register. You will receive the waiver within a month of submitting your form. 

Travel grants

We are able to offer travel grants of up to a maximum of £500 for participants to travel to the course. This will cover the cost of travel to the site where the course is being held and can be used for airfare, train, bus, taxi or visa costs.

Travel grants are applied for at the same time that you apply for the course. You will be informed about the travel grant, including the amount that you have been awarded, at the same time as the outcome of your course application. 

You will need to pay for the upfront costs of your travel. We will then send you  a reimbursement form on your completion of the course. The form must be signed and submitted along with supporting receipts within one month of completion of travel. 

The organisers may reduce the amount offered for the travel grant to accommodate more participants. 

Terms and conditions

The scientific organisers will select the recipients of financial assistance during the course application selection process. Selection for financial support is based on scientific merit, your current work study or location, the reasons for needing financial support and the impact this event will have on your career. Priority will be given to applications from low and middle income countries.

Application for financial support will not affect the outcome of your course application.

Accommodation 

Hotel rooms will be provided onsite at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre. Please contact them directly if you wish to arrange to stay additional nights around the course dates.

Catering

The course includes catering as detailed on the programme tab. Successful applicants will be asked for any dietary requirements and allergies upon registration. 

Course materials

The course materials from the 2023 edition of the course are now live and available for you to use. They provide a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, presentations, and practicals from the course, and will give you a snapshot of what to expect in the 2024 edition.