U.S. Seismic Researchers Exchange Knowledge with Chinese Experts post Wenchuan Earthquake

The Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawi and its members Gary Chock and Ivan Wong, organized a visit by 19 U.S. seismic researchers and practitioners to Beijing and Sichuan Province from October 18th to October 22nd. This initiative was driven by President Lu Yongxiang's desire for scientific exchange between earthquake scientists and engineers in the United States and China.

The centerpiece of this trip was a three-day symposium named Symposium for the Advancement of Earthquake Sciences and Hazard Mitigation Practices. The symposium kicked off on October 18th in Beijing, featuring presentations from Chinese and U.S. participants. Following that, attees had two days to explore the impacts of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake May 12, 2008 by visiting Mianyang City and Beichuan County.

The U.S. team interacted with multiple Chinese organizations involved in earthquake research during full-day meetings on October 18th and October 22nd. These meetings included collaborations between the China Earthquake Administration, the China Academy of Building Research, the Ministry of Civil Affrs Natural Disaster Reduction Center, Beijing Normal University - Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management, Tsinghua University - Disasters Prevention and Mitigation Project, National Earthquake Response Support Service, Center for Earth Observation and Digital Earth of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Development Research Foundation, among others. The m was to share information on earthquake research and practice as well as identify potential areas for future collaboration.

During this symposium and field visits, both the U.S. and Chinese sides gned significant insights into issues like site selection, building design, construction codes, hazard risk reduction strategies, emergency planning, and long-term recovery from major hazards. Stronger relationships were formed that will be beneficial in future cooperative efforts. The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute EERI along with its partners are exploring opportunities for collaboration with these organizations.

The symposium was jointly sponsored by the China Science Center of International Eurasian Academy of Sciences, Architectural Society of China, China Academy of Building Research and China Academy of Urban Planning Design. Additional support came from the China Association for International Frily Contact.

Many U.S. participants, including members of EERI, contributed to this event with their expertise and experiences in earthquake science and mitigation practices. The symposium provided a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering international cooperation between seismic experts across borders.

The visit med not only to exchange information but also to foster mutual understanding of the challenges and advancements in seismology and structural engineering between China and the United States, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in managing earthquake hazards effectively worldwide.

Overall, this initiative demonstrates a commitment from both nations' scientific communities towards advancing seismic resilience through knowledge sharing and collaborative research initiatives.
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