Purdue University to Operate the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation

The University at Buffalo shake table, a NEES facility, tested a home's wood-frame construction. Credit and Larger Version

September 23, 2009

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected Purdue University to lead, manage, operate, and maintain NSF's national, multi-user network for earthquake and tsunami research during fiscal years 2010-2014.  Earthquakes and tsunamis have the potential to cause significant casualties and damage to buildings, bridges, critical utility lifelines, and other civil infrastructure. 

NSF's George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) began operations in 2004 to enable research and innovation in earthquake and tsunami loss reduction, create an educated workforce in hazard mitigation, and conduct broader outreach and lifelong learning activities.  In addition to the new headquarters at Purdue, NEES includes 14 experimental facilities, NEEShub cyberinfrastructure, and the NEES Academy for science and engineering education and outreach. 

Information about NEES is available at http://www.nees.org.  This award is part of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), http://www.nehrp.gov/.

Media Contacts
Cecile J. Gonzalez, NSF Engineering, (703) 292-8538, cjgonzal@nsf.gov
Joshua A. Chamot, NSF OLPA, (703) 292-7730, jchamot@nsf.gov
Elizabeth Gardner, Purdue University, (765) 494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu

Program Contact
Joy Pauschke, NSF, (703) 292-7024, jpauschk@nsf.gov

Principal Investigator
Julio Ramirez, Purdue University, (765) 494-2716, ramirez@purdue.edu

Related Websites
2009 NEESWood Capstone Test:  http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/neeswood/
NSF Special Report on NEES:  http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nees/

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, its budget was $7.0 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 50,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes about 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards about $593 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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