February 15, 2008 (Vol. 28, No. 4)

URL:
http://www.immunology.nih.gov

Rating:
Strong Points: Career info and links
Weak Points: Very limited content

Summary:
Immunology at NIH, at first glance, would, logically, seem to be devoted mostly to the topic of immunology, but on closer examination, the site appears instead to be more about the people involved in the discipline than about immunology itself. The opening page provides four research snapshots, but clicking on them reveals little about immunology. For example, the heading titled Structural Biology brings up a pop-up window with a single image and a description referring to a single researcher. The same is true of the headings titled “Immune Cell Signaling”, “Autoimmunity”, and “Molecular Immunology,” except some also contain a single hyperlinked reference. Yawn. Is this the best the NIH could do? I think not. Other features of the site include a section related to careers at the NIH, interest groups, and links. At least the last items have a reasonable amount of content. I think this entire site needs to be rethought out before it’s ready for prime time.

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