The center approach in earthquake engineering research and education

This paper briefly discusses the experience of NSF-sponsored Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) during the past 15 years with respect to the significance and challenges of carrying out earthquake engineering research and education activities by using the Center approach to Facilitate the development and implementation of knowledge and the preparation of future human resources in earthquake engineering. Several important differences of using the center's approach by comparing with the approach of individual investigators will be discussed. These include, but not limited to, the ability to (1) shorten the time required to implement research results, (2) deliver education and outreach efforts in an organized fashion, (3) engage multidisciplinary team research efforts, and (4) leverage additional matching funds. Special emphasis will be given to the first two issues with examples. It is recommended that center-to-center cooperative efforts be expanded to establish an internationally networked system for more effective cooperation in research and human resource development in earthquake engineering and in natural disaster reduction (International Millennium).