On 19 February, EOS opened its doors to the world. Under its Director Prof Kerry Sieh, EOS aspires to be a leading institute for addressing Asia's most serious environmental threats (such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and the effects of climate change).

"Recent tragedies illustrate the challenge of acquiring basic scientific knowledge of natural processes, and then utilising it effectively in a timely fashion," explained Prof Sieh. "EOS is well-positioned to face this challenge. We intend to blaze new paths through the fascinating mysteries of this dangerous, dynamic thin shell of a planet that we call our home."

Leading-edge earth sciences
The EOS is funded by Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Ministry of Education as a Research Centre of Excellence. The institute has a solid mandate and a slate of exciting pilot research projects and interdisciplinary collaborations in the works, and will eventually comprise about 20 principal investigators, 70 post-doctoral researchers and graduate students.

"This is indeed a proud moment for NTU," said NTU President Dr Su Guaning. "Only 11 months ago, the NRF decided to support NTU's proposal to create a Research Centre of Excellence for the earth sciences, with a focus on Southeast Asia – a first for NTU and Singapore. With a stroke, we are now on the map for the earth sciences community, with some of the best earth scientists in the world."

Influencing public policy
Besides integrating research and teaching into the education of students at NTU, EOS will also work to provide the best available information for influencing public policy. Said Prof Sieh: "We aim to be modern scientific 'high priests,' if you will, illuminating those marveleous phenomena and their attendant perils for our fellow sojourners, civic leaders, engineers, planners and many other well-intentioned, talented and energetic individuals and organisations working to make the world a safer and more enjoyable place."