News
All news stories
Services
Public Relations/Media
The Office of Communications works, in coordination with the FAS Communications Office and the University News Office, with students, faculty, and staff to publicize newsworthy research findings, awards, and events both internally and externally.
The primary ways to engage with the media include issuing press releases (or media notices) and "pitching" stories to reporters. In addition, highlighting news and research on the SEAS website, Harvard website, social media channels and related internal sites also helps to generate media and public interest.
Publications
The Office of Communications writes, designs, and produces the school's primary publications, including:
- Overview Brochure (published annually) An introduction to SEAS, including key facts and figures.
- Research Area Brochure (published annually) Lists SEAS faculty by area of research specialty.
- Inside SEAS (published weekly) This internal electronic newsletter, distributed to members of the SEAS community, highlights accomplishments, upcoming events, faculty news, HR announcements, and more.
- Newswire (published monthly) This electronic newsletter, distributed to members of the SEAS community and our public mailing list, highlights both SEAS press releases and externally-published news stories. To receive this newsletter sign up at, http://eepurl.com/bJ5Kb1.
- eNews (published quarterly)
The eNews, featuring news and events, is distributed by email to SEAS alumni. Contact communications@seas.harvard.edu to subscribe.
Social Media
The Office of Communications manages the school's presence on the following social media channels.
| YouTube | |
| Snapchat |
Photography & Multimedia
The Office of Communications creates/captures photography and other media for use in press releases, social media, publications, and for distribution to other Harvard entities and the media. Please contact us for more information.
The Harvard News Office also has an image library from which images may be purchased for a small fee.
Website
The Office of Communications posts news to the school's public website (www.seas.harvard.edu) and maintains the overall functionality of the site.
Emergency Communications
The Office of Communications is responsible for emergency communications to the school.
Brand Messaging
This messaging platform serves as an internal framework that forms the basis for public-facing communications related to Harvard SEAS. The contents of this guide establish and give voice to the key ideas, values, and principles that characterize SEAS at the highest level, and position us to produce communications that are consistent and compelling.
HOW TO USE THE MESSAGING
Familiarity with the guide is first step toward successful implementation. Take a few minutes to read through the entire guide, noting phrases and talking points that are particularly resonant. Keep the guide handy and reference it often as you develop communications for the institution, such as recruitment materials, fundraising communications, web pages, or informational pieces.
TIPS FOR USING THE MESSAGING
- Borrow generously from the content.
- Use the platform to inspire storytelling.
- Share the platform with colleagues.
MESSAGING THEMES
CONVERGENCE
Points of intersection and impact
SEAS is uniquely positioned to serve as a point of convergence for far-ranging, multidisciplinary collaboration within and beyond Harvard—bringing together diverse schools, institutes, and scholars to understand and devise solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The strength of our people and focus of our work are singularly conducive to making discoveries that have global impact.
COMMUNITY
A diverse and inclusive environment
SEAS is an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves—and one another—to the highest academic and professional standards. Our faculty, staff, students, and researchers have diverse backgrounds and perspectives; their work is informed and strengthened by their ability to share with and learn from one another. Together, they embrace a culture of agility, mutual respect, and devotion to the common good. We value innovation, strive to create a diverse and welcoming environment, reward initiative, and exemplify the spirit of collegiality.
SERVICE
How we endeavor to benefit humanity
Members of the SEAS community are united in their commitment to harness science and technology to create a better future. We set our sights on the world’s largest and most complex problems, which offer the greatest opportunity for positive impact. Few academic centers possess a comparable level of collective expertise and creativity, or a stronger collective commitment to marshal those resources in pursuit of a brighter, more sustainable, and more equitable tomorrow.
PERSPECTIVE
How the liberal arts strengthen our work
Tomorrow’s leaders must possess both deep knowledge and profound empathy. In keeping with Harvard’s longstanding commitment to broad and rigorous study of the liberal arts, SEAS enables students—particularly at the undergraduate level—to explore a wide range of academic disciplines, and inspires them to approach their endeavors critically and contextually. As a result, our students are prepared to deliver solutions that are not only technically brilliant, but also ethical and humane. After graduation they leverage this breadth and depth of perspective to conceive innovative ventures, launch social enterprises, shape responsible policies, advance knowledge, and make groundbreaking discoveries that lead to a better world.
DYNAMISM
How research and teaching drive our academic excellence
Deep expertise across diverse disciplines, generosity of spirit, and profound curiosity inform our approach to education and research, which is further enhanced by our community’s manageable scale and commitment to collaboration. Our faculty, students, staff, and researchers undertake unconventional projects, adapt to changing circumstances, and pursue creative research and teaching that help set the standard for academic excellence and innovation across engineering and applied science disciplines.
EXPANSION
Allston and our extended campus
The expansion of Harvard’s Allston campus, home of the new Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), represents a watershed event in the history of the University. The SEC is designed to foster and facilitate the type of multidisciplinary, innovative work that is our community’s hallmark; the Complex’s cutting-edge facilities and workspaces will strengthen our ability to direct that work toward advances in knowledge and technology with profound impact. Enhancing our capabilities and facilities not only benefits Harvard’s broader academic enterprise, but also strengthens existing relationships and creates opportunities for new connections with academic, business, and community partners near and far.
TRAJECTORY
Our role in the Harvard ecosystem
The ongoing growth and ascent of SEAS reflects Harvard’s evolving approach to undergraduate education, which promotes engineering and the applied sciences as core elements of a well-rounded, world-class education. Creating opportunities for Harvard students, faculty, researchers, staff, and alumni to advance humanity through these disciplines will play a pivotal role in shaping the University’s identity as a 21st-century educational institution and help ensure Harvard’s continued leadership on the world stage.
ONE SEAS
Our shared mission and collaborative spirit
From robotic insects and quantum computing to sophisticated climate models and precision drug delivery platforms, the work of SEAS students, staff, faculty, and researchers often defies traditional categorization. Our shared mission and collaborative approach unite our community and fuel our pursuit of new technologies and discoveries. Increases in student enrollment and the expansion of our campus will strengthen the entire SEAS community by improving our world-class learning environment, enhancing our reputation within and beyond Harvard, and introducing new ideas, collaborators, inventions, and innovations.
MESSAGING PLATFORM DOCUMENT
Our Shield
ELEMENTS OF THE SHIELD
Our shield is composed of three elements:
- The modern version of the Harvard "veritas" chief appears at the top.
- Directly below the chief, the horizontal chain stitch highlights the work of Gordon McKay, a manufacturer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist most well known for improving, patenting, and licensing a revolutionary machine for sewing shoes.
- In the main body of the seal is the coat of arms of the Lawrence family, honoring donor Abbott Lawrence, for whom the Lawrence Scientific School was named. The arms (called the "ragged cross") appear as they were originally rendered by designer Pierre de Chaignon la Rose in the seal for the Harvard Engineering School created in 1936. (The 1936 seal was likely never officially used or displayed.)
USE OF THE SHIELD
- When our shield is used in association with the school name, please use on of the approved logo files, rather than creating your own version.
- Our shield may not be altered nor may appendages be added to it.
- The Harvard SEAS logo may not be displayed in association with any other non-Harvard logos. For questions about the use of the Harvard SEAS logo and/or shield contact Eliza Grinnell.
SHIELD IN COLOR AND B&W
The following are all acceptable variations of the Harvard SEAS shield.
DOWNLOAD THE SHIELD
If you intend to use the shield in conjunction with the school name, pleas download one of the signatures on the logo page.
Note: Download requires login using Harvard PIN.
CMYK
| No outline | Outline for use on dark backgrounds |
| EPS | EPS |
| JPG (white background) | |
| PNG (transparent background) | PNG |
RGB
| No outline | Outline for use on dark backgrounds |
| EPS | EPS |
| JPG (white background) | |
| PNG (transparent background) | PNG |
Black & White / Greyscale
| No outline | Outline for use on dark backgrounds |
| EPS | EPS |
| JPG (white background) | |
| PNG (transparent background) | PNG |
Fonts
The following fonts are recommended for use in print and on the web.
Post Grotesk
Josh Finklea began work on Post Grotesk in 2011 with the goal of designing a contemporary version of the traditional grotesk sans-serif for his own use. The intention was to build an amiable typeface with maximum usability and an overall sense of neutrality.
Post Grotesk is versatile and can be used as body text or header text.
PX Grotesk
Px Grotesk is designed after the rendering of typographic curves on screens. At smaller sizes, pixels sometimes simplify the shapes brutally. From this antagonism, Nicolas Eigenheer has designed a typeface that embeds the screen parameters into a classic linear drawing. The result is hybrid as the shapes combine formal solutions from the pixel grid and a linear drawing. The font works both for screen and print use, and its geometrical simplification offers a spectacular legibility and sharpness at small sizes. At bigger sizes, it reveals a sophisticated drawing and an unprecedented aesthetic for a classic grotesque.
We are recommending that Px Grotesk be used for headlines and anywhere a more distinctive typeface is needed.
Block Gothic
Block Gothic was designed in 1992 as a primarily condensed and compressed typeface. This font is well suited for use in print and web design uses such as posters, brochures, invitations, social media graphics.
Alternative Font: Arial
If the fonts listed above are not available, you may use the sans serif font Arial.
Color Palette
SCREEN VIEWING
When designing a presentation that will be viewed solely on screen (phone, tablet, desktop, projection, web), use the RGB values listed for the color, and set the document to an RGB color space. For development on the web, use the HEX value listed for the color.
FOUR-COLOR PRINTING
If the final application of your design will be produced with either four-color offset or digital printing, use the CMYK color values listed next to each color swatch.
Harvard Crimson
Use only the officially designated shade, as poorly matched colors weaken the impact and effectiveness of our graphic identity.
| Name | Swatch | PMS | CMYK | RGB | HEX |
| Crimson |  |
PMS 187U PMS 1807C |
C: 7 M: 94 Y: 65 K: 25 |
R: 165 G: 28 B: 48 |
A51C30 |
Core Color Palette
A core palette has been defined to provide a neutral field against which the crimson can live.
| Name | Swatch | CMYK | RGB | HEX |
| Red |  |
C: 0 |
R: 237 G: 27 B: 52 |
ed1b34 |
|
Salmon |
 |
C: 3 |
R: 236 |
ec8f9c |
| Black |  |
C: 0 M: 0 Y: 0 K: 100 |
R: 30 G: 30 B: 30 |
000000 |
| Grey |  |
C: 45 |
R: 147 |
93a1ad |
|
Green |
 |
C: 70 |
R: 77 |
4db848 |
|
Lime green |
 |
C: 25 |
R: 203 |
cbdb2a |
|
Blue |
 |
C: 70 |
R: 78 |
4e88c7 |
|
Sky blue |
 |
C: 40 |
R: 149 |
95b5df |
|
Warm yellow |
 |
C: 0 |
R: 252 |
fcb315 |
|
Yellow |
 |
C: 0 |
R: 255 |
ffde2d |
|
Turquoise |
 |
C: 100 |
R: 0 |
00aaad |
|
Aquamarine |
 |
C: 60 |
R: 80 |
77ced9 |
|
Purple |
 |
C: 46 |
R: 148 |
946eb7 |
|
Lavender |
 |
C: 27 |
R: 187 |
bb89ca |
Color combinations
Media, Filming, and Photography Policies
Please let the Office of Communications know if you have been contacted by a media organization (or individual) interested in filming or photography on campus. We will be happy to work with you and with the organization to oversee the process and ensure all the policies are properly followed.
Note: For approval, clearance, and logistical assistance, please contact Leah Burrows in advance.
The following guidelines have been established to protect the privacy of all members of the Harvard community and to promote an environment conducive to learning.
- Reporters, photographers, video/motion picture cameras, and media recording equipment are not permitted inside Faculty of Arts and Sciences buildings, including classrooms, laboratories (allowable with appropriate permission), dormitories, dining halls, office buildings, or other facilities.
- Faculty members may invite reporters, photographers or film crews into their own private offices for interviews and/or filming, but the Communications Office must be notified. Faculty members are asked to please advise media staff that photography or filming of hallways, lounges or other spaces adjacent to the faculty member's office or elsewhere in the building is not permitted. FAS faculty members may also invite reporters, photographers or film crews into private studies located within the Harvard Libraries, but should obtain a media pass, in advance, from the Harvard Library Communications Office.
- Only exteriors of buildings may be photographed or filmed. The University News Office must approve filming and photography of the exterior of any FAS building, in advance. To request a permission form, call 617-495-1585. This permission form must be completed in advance of shooting, and the photographers or film crew must carry the form with them during the shoot.
- Please secure the permission, in advance, of any students who will be photographed or filmed in wide shots of the Yard or elsewhere on SEAS premises.
- Special events, conferences, seminars, speeches, etc. may be recorded or filmed by the Harvard sponsoring organization, for archival purposes only. Such recording may not be sold or distributed to other internal or external organizations.
- Filming of and reporting on intercollegiate athletic events is permitted, but must be arranged through the Harvard Athletics Department (617-495-2206) in accordance with their policies.
- Filming and reporting of exhibitions and special events inside FAS museums and performance spaces may be permitted at the discretion of the management of the venue, and should be arranged with the venue's media relations staff, in advance.
Harvard News Resources
Harvard Media
Harvard-based publications reach a broad audience, both on campus and internationally.
Harvard.edu
The main website for the University. Updated continuously.
Harvard Gazette
The official Harvard news publication, updated daily online year-round.
Harvard Social Media & Newsletters
A link to all of Harvard's social media accounts and electronic newsletters, as well as those used by other schools at Harvard.
Harvard Crimson
Independent student newspaper published each day during the regular academic term (with ongoing online coverage during the summer). Circulation: The entire Harvard campus.
Harvard Magazine
Published bimonthly. Circulation: All Harvard alumni; staff; friends and VIPs; and subscribers. Harvard Magazine is an independently edited and separately incorporated affiliate of Harvard University. It is the only publication covering the entire University that is also regularly distributed to all graduates, faculty, and staff.
GSAS Bulletin
The newsletter of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Colloquy
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' alumni newsletter. Circulation: GSAS alumni, FAS faculty.
Harvard News Offices
The SEAS Communications Office frequently coordinates its efforts with the University News Office, the FAS Communications Office, and other school-based offices.
- Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC)
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences – Office of Communications
- Harvard Business School – Communications Office
- Harvard Division of Continuing Education — PR/Media Relations
- Harvard Divinity School – Office of Communications
- Harvard Graduate School of Design – Communications Office
- Harvard Graduate School of Education – Office of Communications
- Harvard Kennedy School – Office of Communications and Public Affairs
- Harvard Law School – Communications Office
- Harvard Medical School – Communications and External Relations
- Harvard School of Public Health – Office of Communications
- Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics – Public Affairs Office
- Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study – Office of Communications
- Harvard Art Museums – Communications Division
- Harvard University Department of Athletics
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- Peabody Museum of Archeology & Ethnology – External Relations
- Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard – Communications Office
Press Release Tips
Press releases, typically 600-800 word summaries written for a non-technical reader, are distributed to members of the media (and others) to highlight a newsworthy activity, event, or major institutional change.
To help determine whether a press release might be warranted, consider the following questions:
- Does the research have major scientific implications or practical applications?
- Is there a news hook (i.e. something broad-based that a reporter might find intriguing)?
- Is the research groundbreaking, original, and timely?
- Is the research unusual or unexpected (e.g., how a Venus flytrap snaps or creating bubbles that maintain their shape for a year)?
- Do you have engaging or beautiful accompanying photos, movies, etc.?
- Is there a patent pending or collaboration with industry?
- Is the award “major” (Nobel, NAE, etc.)?
- If the work is being published in a journal, what is the embargo policy? Does the journal issue its own press releases or promote authors in other ways?
- If the work is collaborative, have you discussed the possibility of a issuing a press release with your colleagues? (In such cases, it is wise to have the SEAS Communications Office coordinate efforts with other institutions and organizations.)
Working with the Media
Typically the University News Office, FAS Communications Office, or SEAS Communications Office manages and/or directs all media calls. In some cases, one of those offices may direct, with your permission, a member of the media to you. If you receive a call directly from a reporter, feel free to direct the reporter to one of the communications offices or ask to call the reporter back once you have discussed the issue further. Members of the University News Office, FAS Communications Office, or SEAS Communications Offices can provide informal media training, especially to those individuals who expect to be in the news frequently.
Note: In most cases, the goal of media outreach is to promote research, events, and/or academic or educational activities. Members of SEAS are always permitted to speak freely to the media. Keep in mind, however, that what you say can be taken out of context and distributed within a matter of seconds around the globe.
Advice when working with the media
When working with the media:
- Please let us know when you speak with the media.
- Please let us know if you have appeared in the media.
- If you need assistance on a particularly sensitive or controversial issue, please contact our office to discuss how you might best respond.
- Remember that anything you say may appear in print, online, and other media and once it does appear it will be archived (in some form) for years to come.
- Remember that you are speaking on behalf of yourself, not on behalf of SEAS or the University; refrain from making "institutional" comments.
- If the reporter's questions are reasonable, be cooperative, but don't feel obligated to comment on issues outside your area of expertise.
- Don't speculate and don't guess. If you don't know something, say so and refer the reporter to someone who is knowledgeable in that area.
- Always remind reporters to include your affiliation to the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences when referring to you as a source.
- Don't ask to review a story before it is printed; this is not proper news etiquette. Do, however, invite reporters to call you back if they need to check their facts or any quotes.
- If a story contains major errors or mischaracterizes your work, views, etc., let one of the communication offices know rather than attempt to deal with the situation directly.
Press Releases
Faculty & Staff Resources
Press Releases
The primary ways to engage with the media include issuing press releases (or media notices) and "pitching" stories to reporters. In addition, highlighting news and research on the SEAS website, Harvard website, social media channels, and related internal sites also helps to generate media and public interest.
If you are interested in highlighting recent research, initiatives, or awards, please coordinate these efforts with the Communications Office.
When appropriate, the SEAS and/or FAS Communications Office/s will draft the release (with your input/final approval) and coordinate outreach to the media (including general and technical publications and internal Harvard publications).
Always let us know about upcoming work with as much notice as possible.
Note: Occasionally, prior to publication of a major research paper or in anticipation of a major award (for example), the SEAS Communications will reach out directly to a faculty member, researcher, or graduate student.
Social Media
Some news and activities are best represented with a social media post. We can help you determine the best platform for your message.
For more details on how to receive coverage, please contact the Communications Office at communications@seas.harvard.edu.