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News Release 11-188

Hazards Researchers "Stormed" Capitol Hill

NSF Expo showcased basic science and engineering research to facilitate local, state, federal and private-sector capability to predict, prepare for, mitigate and respond to disasters

Dr. Suresh addressing hazards expo on Capitol Hill.
View video

Dr. Suresh addresses hazards expo on Capitol Hill.


September 8, 2011

View videos from the September 7, 2011, NSF Hazards Expo on Capitol Hill (Dr. Subra Suresh, Sen. Bill Nelson, landslides, Tornado Alley, UAVs).

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

In light of National Preparedness month and the recent East Coast hurricane and earthquake, the National Science Foundation (NSF) hosted an expo on Capitol Hill yesterday featuring interactive demonstrations and research findings that showcase science and engineering discovery, technologies and tools that have practical application to hazards.

More than 30 research exhibitor teams demonstrated how their NSF-supported work impacts and enables policymakers and disaster responders to better predict, prepare for, mitigate and respond to significant hazards that affect life, property, societal infrastructure and natural assets.

The exhibits displayed research relating to tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, oil spills and hurricanes, as well as the human response to these events. Walk-through exhibits included: an earthquake simulator, tornado pods, search-and-rescue robots, a flood flume, 3-D IMAX clips from Tornado Alley, unmanned aerial vehicles for rescue, and more.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida emphasized the importance of NSF's research to assist first responders and storm predictors. He also said how thankful he was for NSF's commitment to innovations that assist before, during and after hazards and disasters.

"Fundamental research on natural and man-made disasters is required to tease out paths to prediction, preparation, mitigation and efficient and effective post-disaster response," said NSF Director Subra Suresh. "The National Science Foundation's investment provides a continuous pay off in local, state, and national policy toward these efforts.

The event was made possible by the American Geophysical Union and the Congressional Hazards Caucus.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Deborah Wing, NSF, (703) 292-5344, email: dwing@nsf.gov
Cheryl L. Dybas, NSF, (703) 292-7734, email: cdybas@nsf.gov

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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