’Spanscriptomics’: towards bioinformatics training materials in Spanish [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

bBackground/bbr/br As the field of bioinformatics continues to expand, the need for effective education and training becomes increasingly pressing. Despite global efforts to make bioinformatics education more inclusive, challenges remain in ensuring accessibility and linguistic diversity. A major barrier is the predominance of English-only resources, which can limit participation and learning outcomes among non-English-speaking communities.br/br br/br bMethods/bbr/br This study investigated how linguistic accessibility affects learning outcomes in bioinformatics training. A two-day virtual and asynchronous workshop was hosted on the Gallantries platform under the Galaxy Training Network. Participants, primarily native Spanish speakers, were randomly assigned to one of three language conditions: human-translated Spanish materials, English materials, or machine-translated Spanish materials. Data were collected through pre- and post-workshop surveys focusing on demographics, English proficiency, language preference, and learning outcomes. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and associations between English proficiency and language preference were tested using Pearson’s Chi-Square. Qualitative feedback from participants was examined through thematic analysis to identify key learning and engagement patterns.br/br br/br bResults/bbr/br Findings reveal that linguistic familiarity plays a critical role in learner confidence and comprehension. Participants expressed a clear preference for materials available in their native language, underscoring the need for culturally and linguistically relevant educational resources. The analysis also identified key limitations in current translation practices used in scientific education, particularly in conveying specialized terminology accurately and naturally across languages.br/br br/br bConclusions/bbr/br The study highlights the importance of developing multilingual and culturally adapted bioinformatics resources to foster equitable access to training. Incorporating linguistic diversity into bioinformatics education has the potential to improve learner engagement and support the growth of a more globally inclusive scientific community.