Applications are now open for the 2025 Learning From Earthquakes Travel Study Program in Mexico, September 14-20, 2025. The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) is teaming up with the Sociedad Mexicana de Ingeniería Sísmica (SMIS) to host the program.
This 2025 program offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from earthquake experts in the field and to contribute to recovery knowledge from major earthquakes in Mexico. Following successful past programs in Chile and New Zealand, this field study trip will provide attendees an opportunity to build an understanding of the role and importance of reconnaissance and provide hands-on experience with reconnaissance activities. The program seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders in seismic safety advocacy.
More information about the LFE Travel Study program, including itineraries and reports from previous programs, is available at the LFE website.
The 2025 LFE Travel Study Program in Mexico has been made possible with generous financial support from the trip’s Anchor Sponsor Computer and Structures, Inc. and donors to EERI’s LFE Endowment Fund.
Who Should Apply
The program is open to graduate students and young professionals including both early career researchers and early career practitioners. The organizers are keen to build on the interdisciplinary success of previous trips and seek applications from participants across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, including social sciences, earth sciences, and engineering. Preference will be given to EERI members and SMIS members. This is a popular program and the application for this trip is anticipated to be competitive. Space is limited to 20 participants, therefore, it is unlikely that all qualified applicants will be selected for this unique learning opportunity.
Expected Cost of Participation
A registration fee of approximately US$2,000-2,750 for young professionals and US$1,500-2,000 for students will be required to participate in the program. The registration fee is expected to include hotel accommodations for official program dates, most shared meals, and in-country transportation. Program participants are responsible for all travel expenses to and from Mexico.
CSI Student and Early Career Registration and Attendance Scholarships Available
Thanks to generous support from Computers and Structures, Inc., several scholarships are available to support participation in the program for those with financial need. Applicants that would like to be considered for a scholarship should indicate this in their application.
Tentative Program Itinerary
The planning committee is actively developing the curriculum and itinerary for the program. Participants can expect to do some preparatory reading before the program starts. During the six-day program they will meet with researchers and practitioners and complete a group project based on what they have heard and observed during the program. The program will take place in Mexico City and areas impacted by the 2017 Puebla-Morelos earthquakes. Potential focus areas for the trip include: heritage buildings, retrofitted structures and infrastructure, base isolated structures, geotechnical earthquake impacts, and earthquake early warning. Other opportunities during the trip include Mexican Independence day on September 16 and 1985 Earthquake Anniversary activities on September 19.
How to Apply
The application deadline is December 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Selection Notifications are expected to be sent by December 31, 2024. The application is available here.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to our generous LFE Travel Study Anchor Sponsor for this trip, Computer & Structures, Inc. This unique learning experience is made possible by the generous commitment of CSI and donors to the LFE Endowment Fund.
Questions
Questions about the program and application process may be directed to Maggie Ortiz-Millan at
