STCU News and Announcements
International Conference on Seismic Hazard in the Caucasus: Advancing Engineering Practices
415/49413 May 2024 - 15 May 2024
May 13-15, 2024, the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), in partnership with the Republican Seismic Survey Center of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), organized the international conference titled “Seismic hazard updates in the Caucasus and implications for modern engineering practices” took place in Baku. The conference was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration with the support and collaboration of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the University of Missouri, and the University of Victoria, aimed to delve into the latest advancements and challenges in seismic research and engineering.
Distinguished figures from the scientific community graced the conference, including the President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, the Vice-President of ANAS and head of the Division of Earth Sciences, Academician Ibrahim Guliyev, and the General Director of the Republican Seismic Survey Center of ANAS, Professor Gurban Yetirmishli, among others. Additionally, representatives from various governmental bodies, renowned seismologists, and specialists from Azerbaijan, Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, the United States of America, and Uzbekistan enriched the discourse with their expertise.
Academician Isa Habibbeyli opened the conference with an address highlighting the significance of the event in the context of environmental concerns and suggesting its relevance as a preparatory endeavor for COP29. Following this, Professor Gurban Yetirmishli emphasized the importance of hosting such a gathering in Baku, underscoring the discussions revolving around the latest seismic data collection, modern building codes, earthquake catalog enhancement, and seismic hazard assessment methodologies.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in fruitful deliberations covering a spectrum of topics, including recent seismic data collection encompassing both weak and strong motion, contemporary hazard assessments, modern building code concepts, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) studies, and the future trajectory of seismic research to enhance hazard studies. The exchange of experiences and expectations further enriched the discourse, fostering collaboration and innovation in seismic research and engineering practices.
The conference served as a platform for sharing insights and best practices and laid the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives to mitigate seismic risks in the Caucasus region and beyond. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, the event underscored the collective commitment to enhancing seismic resilience and promoting sustainable engineering practices in the face of natural hazards.