LSE has become the first UK university to make debate the centre of its new website.

Using a strong central quote, instead of a picture, on its home page, the School has drawn on the extensive engagement of its academics with key public debates and policy issues to frame and shape the new site.

'Our website reflects the fact that LSE academics draw on their research and teaching to inform policy globally, shedding expert light on subjects from the international impact of the credit crunch to school admissions and the economics of happiness,' said Howard Davies, director of LSE. 'The home page will draw quotes from research, newspaper articles and comment pieces and our public events to highlight the breadth and depth of this work.'

LSE worked with consultants Precedent Communications to carry out extensive research into what users wanted from the LSE site and to trial the new site. 'We found that people wanted a consistent look and feel to the site,' said Stephen Emmott, head of web services. 'They wanted it to reflect the excitement of the debate that takes place here, and to ensure that it met the needs of prospective students, current students and staff. We have worked with Precedent to achieve that - and welcome feedback.'