Chinese Embassy visit to Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre

Link:

benfieldhrc.org/" target="_self">Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre

Prompted by the Sichuan earthquake on 12 May 2008, a delegation from the Science & Technology Section of the Chinese Embassy to the UK visited the Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre on 21 May 2008.

The delegation was led by Minister Counsellor Dr Wang Baoqing, and accompanied by Professor David Cope of the UK Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology. The delegation came to learn about hazard and disaster work at UCL, particularly that relating to earthquakes.

The visit was convened by Dr Stephen Edwards, who gave an overview of the Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre after Professor Moira Yip (UCL Pro-Provost for China, Hong Kong & Macao) had welcomed the delegation to UCL.

Dr Tiziana Rossetto (UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering) then described research in earthquake engineering at the UCL Earthquake & People Interaction Centre (EPICENTRE). This was followed by Dr Cassidy Johnson (UCL Development Planning Unit), who stressed the importance of careful planning during post-earthquake reconstruction. The presentations were brought to a close by Visiting Professor Adrian Chandler of the Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre, who delivered a case study on the Sichuan earthquake. Lucy Stanbrough (Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre) presented the delegation with a compilation of maps and satellite images of earthquake-affected areas in Sichuan.

The visit culminated with a discussion of the application of UCL expertise to assist with post-earthquake recovery in Sichuan, and better disaster preparedness and recovery in general. UCL staff will now approach colleagues in several Chinese universities to explore opportunities for collaboration in three key areas: mapping and hazard zonation; post-disaster assessment and reconstruction; and education and training.

Image: Mr Pan Zeyong, Mr Tong Wei, Dr Cassidy Johnson, Dr Wang Baoqing, Dr Tiziana Rossetto, Professor Moira Yip, Dr Stephen Edwards, Ms Lucy Stanbrough, Professor David Cope and Ms Yingtong Xi