Showing the right story: how to design scientific visualizations for effective research communication

Figures and images play a central role in how neuroimaging and electrophysiological findings are interpreted, communicated, and ultimately understood. However, the complexity and multidimensionality of EEG and fMRI data make effective visualization particularly challenging. Poor graphical choices can obscure meaningful patterns, exaggerate effects, or overwhelm the audience with unnecessary detail.This session will explore practical strategies for creating clear, informative, and audience-appropriate visualizations in EEG and neuroimaging research. Particular attention will be given to the strengths and limitations of different approaches for representing temporal, spatial, spectral, and network-level data across modalities such as EEG and fMRI. Through real examples, participants will examine how visualization choices influence interpretation, reproducibility, and scientific communication.The session will also discuss how figures should be adapted depending on context and audience. Visualizations designed for highly specialized peer-reviewed publications may not translate effectively to conference presentations, interdisciplinary collaborations, grant applications, or public engagement activities. The session will provide practical and immediately applicable guidance to help researchers communicate complex neuroscientific findings more effectively and persuasively.