As part of a new communication concept, the IAU website has undergone a redesign. The new IAU website reveals an updated look for the IAU. It addresses areas of improvement in the old design and follows the responsive web design approach — providing an optimal viewing experience for users using desktops, laptops and smartphones.

One of the important features of the new website is that it is in line with the new IAU communication concept. This aims to increase the flow of communication between IAU members, scientists, the media, the public and the outreach community. With user-friendly features such as easy reading and navigation, and standardisation — increased communication flow is the main driver of the website’s design. The new website runs faster than the old version and allows users to easily locate content using the logically designed menu structure.

Greater visibility for news items is a significant part of the communication concept. News is defined as any important development in the IAU that ought to be communicated to a wider audience. Announcements are a new feature on the website, with visuals used to draw attention to and illustrate our articles. All news items on the web will also be shared with the community, media and public with an emailed Newsletter (subscribe here), further improving the exchange of information.

These methods of enhanced communication are complemented by the visually appealing appearance of the new website — the combination of which allows the IAU to present itself in a more engaging, inviting and informative manner.

In addition to the new website and the e-Newsletter, social media has been integrated in the IAU communication concept with the opening of a Facebook page and a Twitter feed. On these channels, the IAU wishes to interact more closely with the public and offer people an easy-to-follow and interactive way to get in touch. The channels will be managed by the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach.

To facilitate the communication between IAU members, a mass mailing system to the members of the many different scientific bodies has been set up. Presidents, Chairs, and Secretaries can request an email to be sent to their membership by sending it to the IAU Secretariat.

More information

The IAU is an international astronomical organisation of more than 10 000 professional astronomers from more than 90 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and their surface features.

Links

• IAU website: http://www.iau.org/

Contacts

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Press Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Tel: +49 89 320 06 761
Cell: +49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars@eso.org