What to Put on an Academic Website

12 Aug 2023

In today’s digital age, having a well-structured academic website is essential for academics looking to share their research, connect with peers, and showcase their expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or just starting your academic journey, this beginner’s guide will help you understand what to put on your academic website to make it both informative and appealing.

1. Create an Engaging Homepage

Your homepage is the virtual front door to your academic world. It should be welcoming and provide a snapshot of who you are and what your website offers. Include:

A professional photo of yourself.
A brief bio highlighting your academic background.
Links to your social media profiles, if applicable.
A clear navigation menu for easy access to other sections of your website.

2. Academic Achievements and Research

Share your academic achievements and research findings to establish your credibility. This section can include:

A list of your degrees, including institutions and graduation dates.
A summary of your research interests.
Links to your published papers, if available.
Information about any awards or honors you’ve received.

3. Teaching Experience

If you’re involved in teaching, provide information about your teaching experience:

List the courses you’ve taught or are currently teaching.
Share any teaching resources you’ve created, such as syllabi or lecture notes.
Include student testimonials or feedback, if available.

4. Blog or News Section

Consider adding a blog or news section to keep your audience updated on your academic activities. Here, you can:

Write articles on your research or related topics.
Share news about upcoming conferences or speaking engagements.
Provide insights into current academic trends and discussions.

5. Contact Information

Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you:

Display your email address or a contact form.
Mention your office hours or availability for meetings.
Include links to your professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or ResearchGate.

6. Resources for Students

If you’re a mentor or advisor, create a section with resources for your students:

Share information on research opportunities.
Provide guidelines for writing research papers.
Offer tips on effective study habits.

7. Gallery or Media Section

Consider including a multimedia section to make your website more engaging:

Share photos from conferences or fieldwork.
Embed videos of your lectures or presentations.
Include audio recordings of interviews or discussions.

8. Testimonials and Collaborations

Showcase your collaborations and the impact of your work:

Feature testimonials from colleagues, students, or collaborators.
Highlight any joint research projects or publications.