A note on my time at the ISC

A note on my time at the
ISC

By Alison Bird

(Seismologist / Bulletin Editor during 1997-1999)

Received: 4th July 2025

Alison Bird at Hadrian’s Wall, 1999

In 1997, after completing my Master of Science in geophysics (earthquake seismology) from the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada, I had the opportunity to return to the country of my birth and early childhood. As soon as I was offered the position of seismologist at the ISC, Maureen Aspinwall, executive secretary and thoroughly wonderful person, began sending me parcels of information to help with my transition from “the wilds of Canada” to England. Enclosed were copies of the local newspaper (with helpful items circled), maps, rental listings, tourist brochures, and friendly notes which made me feel welcome before I had even landed.

Alison Bird and Maureen Aspinwall, ISC, 1999

Once there, Maureen gamely drove me about in the ISC van to see flats, eventually finding one which had not only been recently renovated, but which overlooked the local cricket pitch, resulting in many Sundays writing letters by the open window so I could keep track of the game. I still love the sound of a cricket bat making purchase on the hardest ball of any sport. Maureen also bravely accompanied me in the same van so I could acclimatise myself to right-hand-driving; she only made calm suggestions when I was getting a bit too close to the hedgerows – I not being used to the bulk of the car being to my left. We became fast friends and frequently went to films, plays, and concerts at Newbury’s Corn Exchange, followed by a debrief in the pub next door.

Alison Bird next to the ISC van in the ISC warehouse, 1999

During my time at the ISC, I evaluated global earthquake data, for a mind-boggling number of events each month, which helped improved my geographic knowledge immeasurably, at least for the seismically active regions of the Earth. I also aided in the ISC’s transition from a rather antiquated VAX VMS to a (then) modern Sun Unix computer system – an enormous improvement. As someone used to public speaking, I routinely responded to news media in the wake of major earthquakes, including the tragic magnitude 7.6 earthquake which struck Kocaeli, Turkey in 1999. And, finally, I compiled seismic hazard reports for European Union clients, based on historical seismicity and seismic hazard data.

This work was conducted alongside some truly lovely colleagues, whom I looked forward to seeing each day. Dmitry and his family, especially, became close friends and we still get together at the odd conference – even enjoying a hike in the Chilean Patagonia, where I discovered Dmitry might be part mountain goat.

Dmitry Storchak and his family, 1999

My husband, Peter, joined me in the UK (working as a mechanisms design engineer for EADS Astrium) and we had great fun on our weekends, either popping into London for a day, or exploring one of the country’s many, charming towns. Often, our choices were guided by my family (visiting cousins, such as for hikes in the Lake District), my history (returning to places I had lived as a child), or where there were Roman ruins or artefacts. It was all fascinating and a magnificent life experience.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked at the ISC, and to have developed life-long friendships with some remarkable colleagues. My memories from this time are indeed treasured.