Editorial: A new look

You may have noticed by now that the copy of Chemistry World  you are currently holding is a bit different from usual. Yes, we have changed the paper – glossy, isn’t it? – but we knew that the magazine was in need of a facelift and so we have revamped the design. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to find all your favourite sections in the usual places – Totally Synthetic at the end of the Research section and In the pipeline after the Business Roundup; it’s all still there – but it may take you a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the new look and feel. 

It’s not that we took the saying ’out with the old, in with the new’ a bit too literally and simply decided to give the magazine a makeover. We had been thinking about it for a while and the start of the new year always seems like a natural place to launch the new look. Our main objective was to achieve a contemporary and professional design and improved navigation and ease of use. At the same time it was very important to us to ensure that readers continue to identify with Chemistry World  and retain a sense of ownership. It is your magazine after all! I do hope we have achieved our aims but we would like to hear from you so please do send in your feedback to Chemistry World by email, comment via our Facebook page or on Twitter.

But what else does the new year bring? 

Besides the new Chemistry World  design, on 9 January we will be adding smartphone and Android and iPad tablet apps for the magazine, on top of the iPhone app. This will allow readers to access the latest issue of Chemistry World,  as well as back copies published since January 2011. You will also be able to download the issues and set it up so this is done automatically or at a time that is convenient for you. Initially, the app will be available to all and completely free of charge from the app store until 1 April. From that date on access will be restricted to RSC members and e-members, who will be able to access the app using their existing login details. So, if you already have a tablet, or are lucky enough to have received one for Christmas, don’t forget to download the Chemistry World  app. 

The new year is also going to herald plenty of travel for the Chemistry World  team. Starting with the 1st UK Solar to Fuels Symposium in London at the beginning of January you’ll be seeing us at a number of events around the globe including, to name a few, Pittcon, Analytica, CPhI, the Spring and Autumn ACS meetings and, of course, the International Symposia on Advancing the Chemical Sciences (ISACS) conferences. Please drop us a line if you’d like to meet us and have a chat. 

Finally, I’d like to wish you all the best for the new year and thank you for your continued support. Happy 2012!

Bibiana Campos Seijo, editor