Research Scholarship

The New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering awards an annual Research Scholarship for applicants undertaking research projects in earthquake engineering at New Zealand universities and research institutes. The objectives of the scholarship are to promote research in earthquake engineering and encourage students of high ability to continue advanced studies in earthquake engineering.

Applicants should be pursuing a full-time course of study towards a post-graduate qualification at a New Zealand institution including research relevant to the mission of the NZSEE, which is to gather, shape and apply knowledge to reduce the impact of earthquakes on our communities.

Applicants should be intent on pursuing a career in earthquake engineering or the practice of mitigating the effects of earthquakes, and must demonstrate outstanding ability and promise.

Applicants must be members of the Society (in whatever category is appropriate e.g Student member).

The NZSEE Scholarship 2025 will have a value of $10,000. The recipient must agree to continue their studies for at least a full academic year and to present the findings of their research at an NZSEE Annual Conference and in the Bulletin.

No separate application form is required. Applicants should provide the following information briefly but clearly:

  • A brief curriculum vitae (one page).
  • A statement outlining other financial support being received by the candidate.
  • A short title for the proposed research project.
  • A brief outline of the nature, purpose and probable outcomes of the research (two pages).
  • A brief work plan indicating the start and finish dates and current status of the research (one page).

The candidate should arrange for the Academic Supervisor to independently email a letter of support to the NZSEE Executive Officer at exec@nzsee.org.nz by the awards submission deadline.

Submissions close Tuesday, 25 February 2025, with no extensions beyond this final deadline.

Please submit your applications directly to the Executive Officer at exec@nzsee.org.nz.

Previous winners of the NZSEE Research Scholarship are ineligible to reapply for the award. 

Past Recipients

 

2024

Saiteja Sistla

Developing a risk targeted seismic design framework for buckling-restrained braced frame buildings

2023Ayushi TiwariAdvancing predictability of physics-based ground-motion simulations in New Zealand: Empirical and Theoretical modelling advancements
2022Julian RinconSeismic Response of Reinforced Concrete Columns with Active Confinement
2021Sabina PirasDevelopment of Dissipative Controlled Rocking Bridge Columns on Monopole Foundations
2020Alistair StronachFinding Seismic Site Response due to Basin Effects in the Wellington CBD Through High Resolution Gravity Depth Mapping
2019Eyitayo Ademola OpabolaExperimental Investigations and Vulnerability Modelling of Reinforced Concrete Frames Under Seismic Actions
2018Ana I Sarkis FernandezQuantifying Seismic Resilience of Low Damage Technologies for Short and Medium Span Bridges
2017Gabriele GranelloLong-Term Performance of Post-Tensioned Timber Structures
2016Karim TarbaliGround Motion Selection for Seismic Response Analysis
2015Shahab RamhormozianEnhancement of the Sliding Hinge Joint Connection with Belleville Springs
2014Chris Van Houtte Robin LeeRock Site Ground-motion Prediction in New Zealand Development of a 3D Canterbury Seismic Velocity Model and Hybrid Broadband Ground Motion Simulation of the Canterbury Earthquakes 
2013Mustafa MashalAdvanced Bridge Construction and Design
2012     Lucas Hogan  Trevor YeowCategorization and Seismic Response of the New Zealand Bridge Stock Decision Support Tools for Seismic Sustainability Assessment Considering Downtime and Injury
2009 Thomas AlgieNumerical and Experimental Modelling of Rocking Foundations Subjected to Seismic Loadings
2008Brendon BradleySeismic Loss Estimation and Soil-pile-structure Systems
2007Debra Gardiner  Brian Peng   Aaron WilsonDevelopment of Design Recommendations for the Internal Forces within Concrete Floor Diaphragms Seismic Performance Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Buildings with Precast Concrete Floor Systems. In-field Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings