NEW DATE 13.10.2026 | 17h00
Training 2026 | Visual communication in Science
IGOT - Jorge Gaspar Conference Room
The 2026 Finisterra Training Session, dedicated to the topic “Visual communication in science: how to create clear, effective and visually appealing graphics”, will take place on 13 October and will be led by Paula Matos.
This session aims to demonstrate the importance of transforming scientific data into visual representations that communicate a message clearly, accurately and engagingly.
During the training, we will explore principles of visual communication applied to the creation of graphs and figures for scientific papers, presentations and outreach materials. Through practical examples, we will look at how to choose the most appropriate type of graph, highlight relevant results, and use colour, typography, composition, annotations and visual hierarchy to guide the reader. We will also address how to organise multiple graphs, maps, images or diagrams into a coherent figure capable of effectively communicating a scientific narrative, from a publication-ready figure to a presentation.
Trainer biography
Paula Matos holds a PhD in Biology and Ecology of Global Change. Her research focuses on biogeography, ecology and spatial modelling of vegetation, remote sensing, and the impacts of global change on biodiversity, with particular emphasis on Antarctic ecosystems. She has coordinated and participated in several research projects and scientific expeditions to Antarctica.
She is a researcher at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning (IGOT), University of Lisbon, and at the Centre for Geographical Studies (CEG), where she is a member of, and co-coordinates, the ZEPHYRUS – Climate Change and Environmental Systems research group.
