Membership Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of joining NEESinc that I don't already have as a non-member from the earthquake community?

A: There are several benefits of membership, including opportunities to participate in some events that are restricted to members. Learn more about how to become a member of the NEES Consortium.

Q: Do I have to be a member of NEESinc to participate in NEES research projects?

A: No, you do not have to be a member to participate in a research project, but you will not have the benefits of membership.

Q: Who can become a member of NEESinc?

A: There are five classes of membership:

  • Individual Members must be individuals who are people who desire to be actively engaged in NEES earthquake engineering research, education, or implementation, with the minimum qualification of an undergraduate degree.
  • Student Members are individuals who are undergraduate or graduate students who are (or desire to be) actively engaged in earthquake engineering research, education, or implementation.
  • Corporate Members must be an engineering consulting firm, professional trade organization, and/or a stakeholder organization, who may or may not sponsor seismic research, that are or desire to be actively engaged in NEES earthquake engineering research, education, or implementation. They must have their principal location in the United States. They must be committed to the goals of the NEES Consortium and have their principal location in the United States.
  • Institutional Members must be colleges or universities, research institutes, governmental agencies, or professional and educational non- profit organizations that are or desire to be actively engaged in NEES earthquake engineering research, education, or implementation. They must have their principal location in the United States.
  • Equipment Site Members are restricted to the laboratories funded by NSF's NEES program.

Q: Can international members join the Consortium membership?

A: The Bylaws of the NEES Consortium establish NEES Consortium, Inc. (NEESinc) as a non-profit organization that requires legal residency (for an individual) or principal location (for an organization) in the USA. The voting power of the corporation is vested in the members, and the corporation, among other things, has the fiduciary responsibility to manage and distribute National Science Foundation maintenance and operation funds to universities within the USA. Amendments to the Bylaws, however, have removed the US residency requirement from the Individual Membership, and have also added a Student Membership category. Learn more about how to become a member of the NEES Consortium.

Q: How do I get funding for my proposals?

A: Submittal of proposals for NEES research (NEESR) funding is made directly to the National Science Foundation. NEES Consortium members are promptly notified of NEESR solicitations, which are also posted at the NSF website

Q: How can I get other questions answered?

A: Contact the NEESinc office at:

NEES Consortium, Inc.
400 F. Street
Davis, CA 95616

tel.: 530-757-NEES (6337)
fax: 530-757-6340

Or email us at: