Canterbury University has launched an earthquake engineering research centre it hopes will become one of the most recognised in the world.
The university hopes Quake Centre will partner New Zealand with similar organisations overseas and build its reputation for excellence and innovation in earthquake engineering.
Based at the College of Engineering, the centre will join with facilities there.
The pro-vice chancellor of engineering says the centre will be the catalyst for new research and development partnerships locally and in California, Japan and Italy.
Professor Jan Evans-Freeman says the Christchurch rebuild will benefit from new technology developed at the centre.
Quake Centre was launched by Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee on Thursday night.
