diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9bfe63f1..4bce0c30 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -10,9 +10,29 @@
 
 <!-- SPHINX-START -->
 
-`openlifu` is a toolbox for planning and controlling focused ultrasound
-treatments. It generally replicates the functionality developed in the MATLAB
-[open-TFUS toolbox](https://github.com/OpenwaterHealth/opw_neuromod_sw).
+OpenLIFU is an open-source Python platform for planning, simulating, and controlling low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) experiments. It helps researchers and developers build reproducible focused ultrasound workflows for planning, medical imaging, acoustic simulation, hardware communication, and experimental research while continuing the capabilities of the original MATLAB open-TFUS toolbox.
+
+## Who is OpenLIFU for?
+
+**Developers** can contribute to an actively evolving scientific software platform for focused ultrasound research, medical imaging, and hardware integration.
+
+**Researchers** can build reproducible planning, simulation, and experimental workflows using an open-source Python ecosystem.
+
+**Clinicians** can explore the project's research software and follow its progress, although it is intended for research rather than clinical use.
+
+## Project status
+
+OpenLIFU is actively developed as the Python successor to the MATLAB open-TFUS toolbox. The migration from MATLAB to Python is ongoing, with regular releases and active contributions from researchers and software developers.
+
+> **Research Use Only.** OpenLIFU is investigational software. It has **not** been evaluated or cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is **not** intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease.
+
+## Where to go next
+
+- 🌐 **Community Hub** – <https://openwaterhealth.github.io/openwater-community/>
+- 💬 **Discord** – <https://discord.gg/openwater>
+- 🚀 **Good First Issues** – <https://github.com/OpenwaterHealth/OpenLIFU-python/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3A%22good+first+issue%22>
+
+---
 
 ## Installation