Vitae.ac.uk is the global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers. Granite 5 was appointed to reimagine and rebuild the website to better serve its international audience of academics, institutions, and policymakers.
The new site is the result of a deeply collaborative process, combining audience insight, strategic UX, and accessible design. Following our bespoke DRIVE diagnostic process, we crafted a modern, mobile-first experience that simplifies access to essential content, supports distinct user journeys, and reflects Vitae’s respected position in the research community.
Built using a fully custom WordPress theme, the website is fast, scalable, and inclusive — achieving WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and scoring over 90 on Google’s mobile PageSpeed Insights. We developed an advanced content architecture, integrated with external APIs, and designed flexible publishing tools that make life easier for the CRAC/Vitae team.
The results speak for themselves: increased engagement, reduced bounce rates, better SEO, and improved user satisfaction across key audiences. The new vitae.ac.uk is not just a refreshed design — it’s a transformed platform supporting researcher development across the globe.
