The Global Seismological Observation Course has started from 13 January, as informed by the Newsletter in December. In total 10 participants from 10 countries are taking part in this 16th training course for two months. The participating countries are (in ABC order) China, Djibouti, Egypt, India, Nepal, Pakistan, PNG, Thailand, Tonga, Zimbabwe.
On 17 January with still remaining snow, all participants visited to the Chief Executive of Building Research Institute, Dr. Shuzo Murakami. When Chief Executive asked the impression on the lectures and foods, Ms. Huang from China Earthquake Administration replied that though the lectures include some difficulties, I've already gained weight as Japanese foods are delicious." The Chief Executive provided encouraging words that the training results will be useful for each country.

Hajime KUROSAWA
Head of Administration Division, IISEE

Last September, 22 participants of the 2009-2010 course from 13 countries completed their Master Papers and were awarded master's degree in Disaster Management.

In this renewal, the synopses of their Master Papers have been added.
Website: http://iisee.kenken.go.jp/syndb/
Please visit this page and read the synopsis of very nice work of each participant.

Bunichiro SHIBAZAKI
Chief Research Scientist, IISEE