New branding for the University of Iceland 

To mark the 110 anniversary of the University of Iceland and a new comprehensive strategy, we have made some changes to the University branding. This includes the style of the University logo. The focus is still on the familiar and beloved face of Pallas Athena, goddess of learning and wisdom, but the style has been simplified to make it more compatible with digital media which has become the main channel for the logo and almost all University promotional material. 

The University logo has been altered slightly since it was first published in or around 1970. The new logo is based on the original one from 1970, but the face is almost identical from the logo introduced in 2010. The lines have been simplified in the helm, which has been changed and currently draws upon the arch in the original logo, and the presentation of the hair has been simplified to make it more visible, especially on social media and on smart devices. 

You can watch a video on the changes of the logo and how it is compatible with the new promotional material.

The font has, furthermore, been changed for the same purpose and HÍ (standing for Háskóli Íslands / University of Iceland) is now more prominent, especially online, but HÍ is is a common denominator for the University among Icelanders. 

The use of school colours has been reduced in promotional material, but the University's colour is blue,and the use of a single, strong colour aligns with the spirit of our new strategy for an open institution. One strong colour presents the University as undivided and without barriers. 

It is easy to examine the changes that have been made on the new branding by opening the brand design's website formally opened today. The website features all the individual branding items, and it is possible to download the new font, the new logos as well as all the necessary bases and formats students and staff use every day. This includes pre-formatted Power Point and Word documents.

Digitalisation of administration and services

An intrinsic part of the University's quality culture is how projects are to be approached, and the new strategy supports interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching, research, and all operations of the University. According to the new strategy services for staff and students will be developed based on user-centred design. This involves digitalisation and even better accessibility on the University website for those looking for study programmes or other services where you can find everything you need across organisational units. 

From the new strategy: "Strengthening the learning community and developing online teaching based on an ambitious pedagogical vision will promote a thriving university.  Increased support for researchers, high quality graduate programmes, a clearer management framework, and the digitalisation of administration and services will boost the University´s international competitiveness."

Part of these changes include continuous development of digital teaching methods, the web chat, placing special focus on the University’s English website and UniBuddy which facilitates the communication of information for those planning their university studies, and continuing the development of the presentation of available programmes by interest across schools and administrative units. The study programme pages will, furthermore, be made more concise and user-friendly.

The Division of Marketing and Public Relations provides any further information on the new branding of the University as well as the Schools' Public Relations Managers.