Note – Guides, slide decks, and other self-help resources are available on the RIS seminar handouts page.

Imaging Solutions for Scientific Communication Lunchtime Seminars are based on the unique ways researchers use proprietary scientific applications, Microsoft Office, and a variety of graphics programs to create, acquire, and edit images included in grant applications, journal articles, and presentations to the scientific community. "Free Imaging Made Easy Lunchtime Seminars" cover poster making, proper PowerPoint techniques, and Photoshop tricks.

Customized individual, small group, lab, or departmental classes can also be arranged for Quad-based departments. Consider inviting us to your next lab or departmental meeting for customized training—Schedule Beth Beighlie for your next lab or departmental seminar.

What you need to know

Note – Imaging Solutions Seminars will be held remotely at their regularly scheduled time over Zoom. Email ris@hms.harvard.edu to get a Zoom access link for each seminar.

Research Imaging Lunchtime Seminars are free and available to all Harvard, HMS, HSDM, HSPH, and affiliated hospital employees.

  • No registration is required for Research Imaging Lunchtime Seminars.
  • Most Research Imaging Lunchtime Seminars are held from noon - 1:00 PM.
  • Research Imaging Brown Bag seminars qualify for AMA/PRA Category 1 credits.

Upcoming events

  • Imaging essentials – September 10, from noon to 1:00 PM
  • BioRender: Top design tips for better publication figures – September 25, from noon to 12:30 PM
  • Poster making for large format printers – October 9, from noon to 1:00 PM
  • BioRender 201: New and advanced features – October 16, from noon to 12:30 PM
  • Figures for journals – October 31, from noon to 1:00 PM
  • Drawing tools and illustration features of PowerPoint – November 13, from noon to 1:00 PM
  • BioRender: Top design tips for better grant figures – November 19, from noon to 12:30 PM
  • Harnessing the power of Photoshop – December 11, from noon to 1:00 PM

Seminar descriptions

Imaging essentials

Learn the basics of identifying and editing raster, bitmap, pixel-based photos, and vector objects. Determine correct file compression, color mode, and bit depth options. Learn important fundamentals of image preparation. Understand how to prep images in one app for use in other applications. Become skilled at determining correct resolution and output strategies.

Figures for journals

Efficiency and reliability: easily prepare figures for scientific journals with familiar tools and a foolproof workflow that eliminates any chance of rejection for guideline violations.

Reliably accessorize on-screen presentations

Understand essential concepts of presentation design to display images reliably. Minimize the risks associated with specific fonts and design templates. Learn to use PowerPoint to insert illustrations, charts, and movies in a way that will enable you to present with confidence. Also, learn how to use animation and make hyperlinks.

Poster-making for large-format printers

Develop proper techniques for constructing posters efficiently and painlessly. Maximize your message with images, illustrations, and text using PowerPoint and Photoshop to create large-format documents that print correctly.

Drawing tools and illustration features of PowerPoint

Uncover the secrets of PowerPoint's sophisticated drawing tools. Discover how to draw complex shapes, edit Bezier curves, output high-resolution images, create PDF files, and prepare complex images for journals.

BioRender

BioRender 201: New and advanced features

Upgrade your skillset with our BioRender 201: New and Advanced Features. In this one-hour webinar, learn actionable tips and techniques for designing science figures for your posters, presentations, publications, and more. We'll cover features and concepts such as:

  • Multi-select and alignment tools
  • Custom shapes and lines
  • Leveraging color to augment your illustrations by:
    • Adding deeper context
    • Focusing your audience on key concepts

We recommend that attendees have experience using BioRender or have attended the BioRender 101: Introduction webinar.

Top design tips for better grant figures

In this 30-minute session, learn actionable tips and techniques for designing clear science figures for your grants, including:

  • How to select the right color palette for your illustrations
  • How to optimize space and margins for clarity
  • How to properly label and number sequential figures
  • Tricks to optimize contrast and saturation for figures

Top design tips for better publication figures

In this 30-minute session, learn actionable tips and techniques for designing clear science figures for your publications, including:

  • How to select the right color palette for your illustrations
  • How to optimize space and margins for clarity
  • How to properly label and number sequential figures
  • Tricks to optimize contrast and saturation for figures
  • How to follow journal guidelines while adding your own creative flair