The University of Chicago has unveiled a redesigned UChicago News website aimed at showcasing the university's research and community stories. The updated platform offers an immersive experience with various content formats, including podcasts, special series, and explainers.
Paul M. Rand, vice president of communications at UChicago, expressed enthusiasm about the new design: “UChicago News has grown into a powerful platform to tell the story of the UChicago community—and the impact its researchers, students and alumni are making here and around the world.” He added that they are excited for audiences to engage with this dynamic website design.
Since its last redesign in 2018, UChicago News has expanded its audience significantly. It now reaches millions globally. During this period, University Communications collaborated with schools and divisions to introduce new features to share UChicago’s story.
Podcasting is a central element of these efforts. Starting in 2018 with Big Brains podcast, it has expanded into eight shows within the University of Chicago Podcast Network (UCPN). These shows cover diverse disciplines such as business, economics, politics, human rights, and mathematics. Big Brains was recognized as the best university-produced podcast by CASE for four consecutive years.
The revamped website includes a redesigned homepage for Big Brains along with refreshed episode pages highlighting faculty experts and their research.
New content series on the site include:
- The UChicago Explainer Series: Offers insights into pioneering research topics like carbon dating and improv comedy.
- Inside the Lab: Provides firsthand looks at impactful research from UChicago scholars.
- Unique series such as Meet a UChicagoan and Dispatches from Abroad highlight unique stories from UChicago’s intellectual community.
Additionally, there is an expanded listing of events across campus and a page featuring faculty experts in Academic Communications Network along with their media commentary.