Animation of Biological Data: advancing biological insight through motion technologies

Research Topic Animation

The field of biological data visualization is facing increasing challenges in representing dynamic, complex processes that occur across different scales, from molecules to entire ecosystems. Traditional static visualizations, while effective for certain datasets, often fail to convey the intricate changes, interactions, and movements inherent to biological systems. Animation is a powerful solution to these limitations, enabling researchers to visualize developmental, evolutionary and molecular dynamics in a temporal, intuitive and engaging format. Animations excel at data-driven storytelling enabling effective science communication, education, audience engagement and inspiring new research directions. They combine narrative structure, dynamic rendering, and interactivity to improve the understanding and retention of complex information for both scientific and general audiences. However, the field of biological data visualization has not yet realized the full potential of animation, nor has it been systematically integrated into biological research, educational practice and science communication. Questions persist, particularly around the most effective design of animations, balancing accuracy and artistic creativity, integration of cross disciplinary principles and the utility of animation in science education.
This Research Topic aims to explore how animation can transform the way biological processes are conceptualized, studied, and communicated. The goal is to identify best practices for applying animation tools to drive discovery, enhance audience engagement, and promote scientific and visualization literacy. Contributors are encouraged to investigate how animated representations of data influence cognition, inspire innovative research directions, and foster deeper understanding of complex biological phenomena. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, approaches that demonstrate how animation bridges the gap between scientific evidence and visual storytelling, as well as studies assessing the educational and communication impact.
To gain further insight into the integration of animation within the life sciences, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Techniques for animating dynamic biological data (e.g. 2D/3D animation, motion graphics and simulations)
• Integration of multi-scale biological datasets and data-driven storytelling
• Cognitive and educational effects of animated visualization in biology
• Visualization of uncertainty, scale, and temporal change in biological data
• The role of AI, interactivity, and immersive technologies (e.g. XR) in biological animation
• Design principles, visual composition, and the use of artistic license in scientific visualization
• Cross-disciplinary integration of biology with design, art, and film making for data representation
• Applications of animation in hypothesis generation, outreach and public engagement

We welcome all article types, especially original research, reviews, opinion pieces and methods or data reports. The collection will establish the importance and utility of animation as a captivating visual tool for clear communication of biological data, not only to peers, but also to a non-scientific audience. Ultimately, animation should serve as a bridge between the biological sciences and society.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: animated data visualization, bioinformatics visualization, scientific animation, dynamic biological data, time-series omics, molecular animation, pathway network dynamics, immersive visualization

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.