WASHINGTON - The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) launched today a new Web site featuring more information packed into an easy-to-use format. The site has been structured for more efficient searching and features a number of new resources, including an online media kit, podcasting, high resolution photos of experts and events, and opinion pieces by staff and fellows.

"The new version of the Web site makes it easier to locate information related to a specific conflict or universal topics such as conflict prevention, mediation and conflict resolution, or postconflict stabilization," said USIP president Richard Solomon. "This site reflects the increasing breadth of USIP activities, and will be an invaluable resource for policy experts, practitioners, and the public."

The new site features an intuitive information architecture, including drop down menus, content overview pages, and a quick reference "Explore USIP" bar.

"We have made a number of additions that make the site more navigable and more technologically advanced," explained webmaster Dida Atassi. "People can listen to events anywhere at any time through the addition of podcasting, and can find focused and specific information on events, experts, and publications on the site with our new Google-powered search engine."

Among the new features is an online media kit to provide easy access to journalists looking for quick background on USIP. The page includes the latest informational materials about USIP, downloadable logos and a link to the online Guide to Specialists. The Guide to Specialists has been updated for 2006 and contains high resolution photographs of experts as well as more complete contact information. The site will also feature published op-eds and other commentary by USIP experts.

Atassi also mentioned future additions to the site, which will be added shortly. These additions include a secure e-commerce site for visitors to order books and other USIP publications online; pages to organize material according to geographic region; and photo galleries of select events for download and reproduction.