Entering a new era

As the ITER Project evolves and becomes more "concrete," ITER Communication has to evolve too. Over the end-of-year holidays and into January, we'll be stopping the publication of Newsline. This longer-than-usual break will allow us to take the time to develop some new communication tools and refresh the ITER website. Our aim is to reach a wider audience with high quality information.

Many ITER visitors often call on us to devote more resources to public communication, reaching out not only to the fusion community but also to the public, to young people and to the business world. The argument given is nearly always the same: too many people do not know about ITER at all! Public awareness is a key factor for the success of the project as a whole. As public interest increases we have to develop the tools to answer their questions and concerns.

Last week we launched a new magazine in French (an English version will follow). Through a journalistic approach, it aims to popularize the science and technology behind and beyond ITER. Ahead, we'll be taking a fresh look at the public website to make it more attractive and up-to-date. And we'll be simplifying Newsline production to make it more reactive, punctual and comprehensive.

The ITER Project is entering a new era and so is its public communication. Best wishes for the New Year to all of you!