A primary way that biologists interact with their data is through visualization systems, ranging from simple, stand-alone methods to complex, integrated software packages. However, the sheer volume and diversity of both data and of visualization systems presents an increasing challenge for biologists.

The goal of the workshop is to bring together, for the first time, researchers developing and using systems to visualize a broad range of biological data, including sequences, genomes, phylogenies, macromolecular structures, systems biology, microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging. In selecting topics for this workshop, we have focused on the visualization of processed and annotated data in their biological context, rather than the processing of raw data.

The meeting will review the state-of-the-art and highlight current and future challenges across this broad range of visualization systems.

The underlying theme of the workshop is to provide a forum to help identify and exploit synergies. For example - cases for inter- operation, the re-use of methods or concepts, and common conventions in usability.