Embargo times: 13:15, Wednesday 12 September 2007
Dr. Tiziana Rossetto of University College London presents a refreshing view on earthquake disaster management by exploring a multi-disciplinary approach with the aim to lessen the loss of life, resources and infrastructure at the hands of seismic activity.
“The development of tools and their implementation in mitigating earthquake losses involves both structural earthquake engineering, but also requires consideration of disaster management and the social dimensions of earthquakes.”
Dr. Rossetto will discuss new approaches to earthquake engineering exploring a holistic view in development of risk assessment tools and design solutions that satisfy industrial, social and economic needs. This is especially important in the consideration of building management in developing nations.
“Despite the proven benefits, strengthening of structures is often not carried out before earthquakes. After a disaster in the rush to provide shelter, emphasis is usually placed upon the rapid reconstruction of the same house, rather than the consideration of how to make the original design stronger.” says, Dr. Rossetto about developing countries.
Dr. Rossetto insists that it is imperative that engineers and NGOs collaborate to develop locally acceptable, affordable and sustainable building improvements, able to provide not only temporary relief but long term resilience.
As part of the BA Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture at the BA Festival of Science, Dr. Rossetto will talk about the launch of the new EPICENTRE (Earthquake and People Interaction Centre) at UCL. This centre, funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), is composed of a highly multidisciplinary group of researchers (earthquake engineers, social scientists, psychologists and coastal engineers) working together to advance knowledge in seismic risk prediction with the aim of providing decision makers a better guidance for where and how to reduce earthquake losses.
Dr Tiziana Rossetto will give her talk, ‘Why do earthquakes become disasters and what are engineers doing about it?’ on 12 September at Physics PX/001, University of York as part of the BA Festival of Science.
The opportunity to present a popular and prestigious BA Award lecture at the festival of science is offered to five outstanding communicators each year. The award lectures aims to promote open and informed discussions in issues involving science and actively encourage young scientists to explore the social aspects of their research, providing them with reward and recognition for doing so.
The BA Festival of Science will be in York from 9-15 September, bringing over 350 of the UK’s top scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. In addition to talks and debates at the University of York, there will be a host of events throughout the city.
For further information about the BA Festival of Science, including an online programme, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience.
This year’s BA Festival of Science is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) in partnership with the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council. It is supported by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, BP and Yorkshire Forward.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net
Or
Jessica Griggs, Press Assistant, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: jessica.griggs@the-ba.net
Note for editors
1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. The BA also organises specific activities for the science communication community in the UK through its Science in Society programme. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.
2. Speakers have been asked to submit press papers for their talks, which include a summary of the talk and what is newsworthy about their research. Press papers will be available from late-August at www.the-ba.net/presspapers.
3. To register for access to the press papers or to the Press Centre at the BA Festival of Science, visit www.the-ba.net/pressregister.
4. The BA Festival of Science 2007 is being hosted in York by the University of York, Science City York and the City of York Council.
5. The University of York, founded in 1963, has nearly 12,000 students, 3,000 staff and more than 30 academic departments and research centres. It is one of Britain’s leading research-intensive universities, with a global reputation. The University concentrates on strong viable departments and teaching and research of the highest quality. It is rated sixth out of 172 UK higher education institutions for the quality of its research, with 18 of its 23 departments rated 5 or 5*. Ambitious plans for growth include a projected 50 per cent increase in student numbers, and significant research expansion and spin-out activity. For more information, visit www.york.ac.uk.
6. Science City York is a successful business and skills development initiative, driving the creation and growth of business and employment opportunities across York and North Yorkshire in bioscience, IT & digital and creative technologies. Established in 1998 as a partnership between City of York Council and The University of York, Science City York is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber. Further information available from www.sciencecityyork.org.uk.
7. City of York Council serves over 180,000 residents, covering an area of 236km2 and providing a wide range of services. The council works with 70 schools across the city to provide high quality education to over 24,000 pupils. The authority employs over 7,000 staff and is York's largest employer. More information about the council and its services is available at www.york.gov.uk.