Development and Evaluation of Illustrative Visualization of Uncertainty and Dynamics in Biomolecular Data

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Michael Krone; Professor Dr.-Ing. Kai Lawonn
• Subject Area: Image and Language Processing, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Human Computer Interaction, Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 568853044

Visual analysis of biomolecular data is an essential tool for investigating the structure and function of biomolecules. Especially in structural biology and bioinformatics, considering uncertainties in the data is crucial, as experiments and simulations contain inherent uncertainties. This research project focuses on the development and evaluation of new visualization techniques to represent dynamics and uncertainties in biomolecular data. Based on previous work on uncertainty visualization, this follow-up project will develop interactive, illustrative, and immersive techniques to enable intuitive and precise perception and correct interpretation of uncertainties. Methods such as sketch-like contour lines, hatching techniques, and volume-based representations as well as interaction methods will be used. In addition, the use of virtual reality (VR) will be investigated, especially for teaching and science communication. A particular focus is on evaluating the visualizations through perception and user studies to ensure their effectiveness and comprehensibility. The project thus makes an important contribution to improving uncertainty communication through biomolecular visualization and supports scientists in the effective analysis of inherently complex and uncertain molecular data.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants