Images of biological entities, from single molecules to whole cells, are increasingly used both in research and in media aimed at the public. Although the objects of such images are inherently colorless, in most cases colors are introduced, either as markers of specific features, or with purely aesthetic intent.

The results are often pleasing, sometimes spectacular. However, we wonder if colors could not be used also as a channel to deliver additional information to viewers, if they were used in a consistent manner, while still obtaining beautiful images.

The community concerned with the notion of 'molecular graphics' includes professionals from a variety of fields, including cell and structural biology, bio-informatics, physics, computer graphics, and art. In a workshop in 2022 (http://desxbioinf.i2d.uk/), it emerged that developing a set of guidelines for the use of color, as proposed by one of the organizers, could help both creators and viewers.

Accordingly, we convened a special workshop that gathered a very diverse group of experts to focus on the exchange of expertise and ideas and on the collaboration towards the common aim of introducing meaningful colors and other visual sings in the representation of small-scale biology. The workshop was hosted by the Lorentz Center in July 2024, and resulted in the initial steps of such endeavour. A full report of that workshop is in preparation, but we can anticipate here that the main results have been:

• the creation of a community, including not just biological sciences and visualization practitioners, but also visual, semiotic, and design experts. We established a common vocabulary, and a set of tools that we considered necessary to address the problem systematically.
• The preparation of a common (virtual) space to progress with the discussions
• A clear definition of the boundaries of the problem, and
• A framework for future work.

After a reciprocal presentation of expertise and presentation of the possible contributions by experts in the different disciplines, we intend to discuss:

Day 1. Introduction, state of the art, the basis posed in the Lorentz meeting in 2024, and subsequent advances.

Day 2-3. Which visual forms are best suited to convey the important concepts and features in cell and structural biology (based on perception, ease of use, implementation and identification).

Day 3-4. How to implement a shared color and visualization strategy, and how to evaluate its efficacy.

Day 4-5. Discussion on future work, implementation design, project proposal. Preparation of report.

These discussions will guide our future actions, possibly including a coordinated research proposal to be submitted to major international funding agencies.

As mentioned above, the idea was presented at an earlier, more general workshop and has already met with general approval from the community in which two of the organizers (D.I. and M.Z.) are well established. MZ previously participated in the NII-Shonan meeting in 2018, during which we discussed a related topic: Web Molecular Graphics: Emerging Technologies & Standards.

In the meeting of this proposal, in which we will invite the participants to the earlier meeting, we intend to focus on a specific topic, that will contribute to the actuation of the ideas presented before, and also set a series of ‘basic principles’ that should apply to the general theme of cellular biology, informing the public at all levels, including occasional by-passers, primary to high school students and expert practitioners.

For this reason, besides gathering scholars and practitioners from various disciplines, we will make a special effort to include people from diverse backgrounds and cultural/geographic origins.

To facilitate the adoption and to help in the preparation of a major research project of global interest we will reach out to institutional and commercial groups that might be interested in participating and possibly sponsoring part of the workshop.

More specifically, we have in mind a set of specific short- and long-term outcomes:

1. Agree that the task is important and that the time is ripe to address the issue. Very likely
2. Agree on a selection of cellular concepts that can be displayed visually. Likely
3. Consider different means of delivering visual information and select a range of possibilities. Likely
4. Discuss the possible association of specific visual tools and communication strategies for different biological concepts. Possible/likely
5. Decide to set up a larger initiative (e.g. a joint application for a collaborative grant) towards the goal of a ‘visual vocabulary’. Possible
6. Consider possible participants, funding source, overall organization and timing of the project in point 5. Possible
7. Prepare a draft white paper on the workshop discussion and its outcomes. Likely
8. Propose future actions. Likely

From the perspective of bioinformatics, there are significant potential outcomes expected from this international workshop. In recent years, there have been efforts to visualize cells and biomolecules using technologies such as 2D/3D computer graphics and virtual reality (VR).

-Advancements in visualization technology: The discussions and knowledge sharing in the workshop could foster advancements in the visualization technology of cells and biomolecules. This can lead to more simple visual representations and interactive visual experiences for VR visualization tools, enhancing the understanding and interpretation of biological data in the field of bioinformatics.

-Integration of big data analysis and visualization: The analysis and visualization of big data are important topics in bioinformatics. The workshop could involve discussions on integrating the analysis and visualization of biological big data, potentially leading to the proposal of more effective methods for understanding patterns and relationships within biological data.

-Standardization of visualization data sharing and exchange: When multiple research groups or institutions use different visualization techniques, sharing and exchanging data can become challenging. The workshop may involve discussions on standardizing the sharing and exchange of visualization data. This could establish a framework for easily sharing and reusing data obtained through different visualization methods.

-Enhancement of usability and user experience: With advancements in visualization technology, it is crucial to make cellular and biomolecular data more user-friendly and intuitively understandable. The workshop could engage in discussions on improving usability and user experience of visualization tools, leading to the development and improvement of effective visualization techniques from a bioinformatics perspective.

By addressing these outcomes, the workshop aims to contribute to the field of bioinformatics by advancing the visualization of biology, enabling better comprehension and analysis of biological data.