USGS News:
Scientists interested in earthquake research will be pleased to hear that the U.S. Geological Survey is awarding up to $7 million in grants and cooperative agreements for earthquake research in 2013.
Applications are due May 17 and researchers can apply online at GRANTS.GOV under the funding opportunity number G12AS20013.
There are four National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) agencies that work in close coordination to improve the nation’s understanding of earthquake hazards and to mitigate their effects. The missions of the four agencies are complementary, and the agencies work together to improve our understanding, characterization, and assessment of hazards and vulnerabilities; improve model building codes and land use practices; reduce risks through post-earthquake investigations and education; improve design and construction techniques; improve the capacity of government at all levels and the private sector to reduce and manage earthquake risk; and accelerate the application of research results.
All four agencies are responsible for coordinating program activities with similar activities in other countries.
National Science Foundation (NSF) supports fundamental research at the frontiers of science and engineering to advance the nation’s health, welfare, and safety. NSF supports research in seismology, structural and geotechnical earthquake engineering, and social, behavioral, and economic sciences pertinent to preparation for, mitigation of, responses to, and recovery from earthquakes and related events such as tsunamis and landslides.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides the nation with earthquake monitoring and notification, delivers regional and national seismic hazard assessments, conducts targeted geoscience research, and coordinates post-earthquake investigations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responsibilities include: promoting the implementation of research results; promoting better building practices; providing assistance to enable states to improve earthquake preparedness, emergency response and management; supporting the implementation of a earthquake education and public awareness program; assisting NIST and others in the implementation of improved earthquake-resistant design guidance for building codes and standards for new and existing buildings, structures, and lifelines; aiding in the development of performance-based design procedures; developing, coordinating, and executing the National Response Plan when required following earthquakes; and, developing approaches to combine earthquake hazards reduction measures with measures for reducing hazards for other natural and technological hazards (“multi-hazard design”).
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is designated as the lead NEHRP agency and has the primary responsibility for NEHRP planning and coordination. NIST conducts applied earthquake engineering research to provide the technical basis for building codes, standards, and practices, and is responsible for working with FEMA and others to implement improved earthquake-resistant design guidance for building codes and standards for new and existing buildings, structures, and lifelines.
Find more information at www.nehrp.gov.
