Three leading UC researchers in engineering and science disciplines will receive $125,000 a year for three years for their projects:
- What is ‘Better Land’? Assessment and mitigation of liquefaction hazards – Professor Misko Cubrinovski, Civil and Natural Resources Engineering; QuakeCore, UC Engineering
- Building resilience through earthquake and landslide multi-hazard research in New Zealand – Dr Tim Stahl, School of Earth and Environment, UC Science
- Next-generation seismic hazard analysis for New Zealand – Professor Brendon Bradley, Civil and Natural Resources Engineering; QuakeCore, UC Engineering
UC currently has 15 EQC-supported research projects in Science and Engineering specialties fields.
Dr Jo Horrocks, EQC Head of Resilience Strategy and Research, says that New Zealand is well known as one of the riskiest countries in the world from a natural hazards point of view. “But what we’re also known for is having some of the best natural hazards scientists in the world who are dedicated to understanding our natural hazard risks, and finding way for us to reduce the impact.
“Our University Research Programme funding helps these visionary scientists make further advances in each of their fields, which range from paleoseismology, geology and engineering to economics and applying Mātauranga Māori to disaster risk reduction.”
The successful applicants were selected by a high-calibre international assessment committee that included academics from several universities, as well as engineers, researchers and a local government chief executive.
Dr Horrocks says that while EQC has funded research in universities for many years, the new programme ties research more closely to EQC’s goals of stronger buildings, better land, resilient infrastructure and access to insurance.
She says that as well as breaking new ground in research, each of the lead scientists are committed to developing New Zealand’s next generation of natural hazard scientists. “Through the Programme, we will also be helping support more than 30 students at Masters and PhD level to develop their skills and knowledge under expert guidance. Our natural hazards will always be with us, so it’s important that we keep building world-class natural hazard science talent here in New Zealand.”
