Since 1998, the International Workshops on Statistical Seismology have provided researchers an opportunity to evaluate recent developments in statistical seismology, as well as define future directions of research. Topics explored have included the statistical behavior of earthquake occurrence and patterns, earthquake physics, time-dependent earthquake forecasting, and forecast evaluations. The Workshops have been hosted by research institutions worldwide: Hangzhou, China (1998), the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Wellington, New Zealand (2001), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico (2003), the Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tokyo, Japan (2006), and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Rome, Italy (2007).

The 6th International Workshop on Statistical Seismology (StatSei 6) will be hosted by the Southern California Earthquake Center at the Granlibakken Conference Center in California on April 12-16, 2009. The scientific program will focus on current topics in statistical seismology and California-specific research areas, including:

• Earthquake physics and statistics
• Statistical properties of earthquake occurrence through examination of the two fundamental laws of observational seismicity (Gutenberg-Richter and Omor-Utsu)
• Time-dependent earthquake forecasting and hazard
• Basic concepts in statistical seismology, e.g., recurrence, characteristic earthquakes, declustering, etc.
• Prospective and retrospective testing of earthquake forecasts
• Global collaboration in earthquake predictability research
• Testing weather and climate forecasts

Statsei 6 will cover three full days of lectures, discussions, and poster presentations (April 13-15th), and followed by a field trip on April 16th. The workshop lectures are by invitation only but all participants are encouraged to present posters.

Approximately 100 scientists are expected to participate.