Show, don't tell: Creating visuals about your research
21 December 2023
General context
This course introduces researchers to the selection, creation and editing of images in order to communicate about their research.
We start by identifying the core elements of a powerful visual, by applying basic design and communication principles on visual communication.
In a hands-on section we introduce some free and powerful tools to edit images, and to combine them with textual elements to create a layout: Inkscape for vector images, Paint.NET for bitmap images, and RAWGraphs for charts.
We end the course by exploring ways to effectively use visuals in the daily research practice, such as creating captions and considering legal and ethical aspects of image use and editing.
This course contains a variety of different exercises, including an assignment allowing participants to work on their own visual material, related to their own research.
- Being able to recognize and select suitable images for use in scientific communication, and to combine them with textual elements.
- Being able to use communication and design principles to create and optimize visuals for graphical abstracts and posters.
- Knowing the difference between vector and bitmap illustrations, and being able to decide which type and file format to use in which situation.
- Being able to use vector image editing software to create and edit vector illustrations.
- Being able to use bitmap image editing software to scale, crop and rotate bitmap images, and to adjust brightness and contrast.
- Basic knowledge about the main types of graphs (bar chart, line chart, pie chart, and scatter chart), and when to use them.
- Knowledge about the legal and ethical aspects of image use and editing, and being able to apply these correctly.
This course is a combination of theory, exercises (individual and in groups), practical examples and use cases.
There will be the possibility to ask questions in a one-on-one setting with the trainer.
Please don't forget to bring your laptop as this is a hands-on course!
Researchers interested in learning more about the selection, creation and editing of images to help communicating in a clear way about their research.
- This training is free for VIB participants.
- The course is not open for non-VIB participants.
- Note that upon no show without valid justification a fee of € 100 will be charged and you will be blacklisted for the VIB training program for 1 year. Click here for more information.
Trainers
Koen Van den Eeckhout
Koen Van den Eeckhout is an ex-physicist who is in love with visual communication: as a freelance information designer – operating under the name ‘Baryon’ – he creates insightful infographics, builds innovative data visualizations, designs engaging reports, and spreads his passion for visual information through workshops and presentations.
Practical info
21 December 2023
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
21 December 2023
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
21 December 2023
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
21 December 2023
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.
21 December 2023
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Room L4