Citation on the award of Fellow, April 2026
For sustained outstanding contributions to earthquake engineering, and for exceptional service to the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.
Professor Tim Sullivan is an internationally recognised leader in earthquake engineering, whose research has had a profound influence on seismic design practice in New Zealand and internationally. As a Professor at the University of Canterbury, Tim has advanced the understanding of seismic performance of different structural systems and non‑structural components in buildings. He has also contributed to advancement in seismic risk/loss mitigation measures and low‑damage design of buildings. In addition, Tim has provided, and continues to provide, technical leadership in national guidelines and standards, including AS/NZS 1170.5.
Professor Sullivan has demonstrated outstanding professional leadership in New Zealand through senior roles in QuakeCoRE, Seismic Risk Working Group and Natural Hazards Research Platform, and outside New Zealand through his leadership in the International Association of SPONSE and editorial leadership in leading earthquake engineering journals.
Professor Sullivan has rendered exceptional service to the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering over two decades, including long-standing service on the NZSEE Bulletin Editorial Board, prolific scholarly contributions to the Bulletin, and sustained engagement through NZSEE conferences, seminars, guideline development, and knowledge dissemination.
In recognition of his eminence in the field, his integrity and leadership, and his distinguished service to the Society and the profession, Professor Timothy Sullivan is hereby admitted as a Fellow of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.
