Editorial

I invite all readers of the Journal of Engineering Mechanics to join the new Engineering Mechanics Institute (EMI), a professional society hosted by ASCE and dedicated specifically to the needs of the engineering mechanics community. Created on October 1, 2007, EMI replaces the former Engineering Mechanics Division of ASCE.

The mission of EMI is to serve the engineering community through the development and application of engineering mechanics by anticipating and adapting to new challenges that will face tomorrow’s engineers and by creating an environment that facilitates professional growth to ensure that these future challenges will be met. The institute seeks to establish a presence at the forefront of new thrusts of mechanics by promoting the most innovative developments in the field, regardless of the discipline of the ultimate user. The institute also seeks to provide a home for those involved not only in the traditional disciplines but also in emerging areas of mechanics. Additionally, the Institute seeks to promote the interdependence of engineering mechanics and other disciplines by providing an interdisciplinary forum for researchers, practicing engineers, industry representatives, citizen groups, public officials, and others.

The vision for EMI is to be a premier organization representing engineering mechanics by effectively serving the needs of the worldwide engineering mechanics community and promoting both research and application of scientific and mathematical principles to address a broad spectrum of existing and emerging engineering and societal problems.

As an EMI member, you will become part of an international network of your peers. Participation in EMI activities provides you the opportunity to showcase your work and learn about the most recent work of others in the field of mechanics, an excellent networking tool.

As an EMI member, you will receive discounts for participation in EMI programs and symposia. Upcoming events include the Inaugural International Conference of the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EM08) to be held on May 18–21, 2008, at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and accompanying specialty symposia such as the Probabilistic Mechanics and Structural Reliability Symposium. As an EMI member you will receive our newsletter, EMI News, and you may purchase EMI publications and subscribe to the Journal of Engineering Mechanics at member-only prices.

As an EMI member, you are eligible to serve on EMI committees and task groups. Participation in these activities will allow you to use your talents to address important issues related to engineering mechanics and will help you to build lasting professional relationships with others in the field. EMI committees and task groups review journal articles, develop publications and programs, organize education programs and webinars, promote innovations in mechanics, and perform other services. Participation in committees and task groups is a great way to interact with your peers and a group of distinguished colleagues, a network that can provide support in dealing with challenging personal assignments.

Join EMI now and become a Charter Member. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. By joining EMI now, you become a Charter Member and your annual membership dues for 2008 will cover both 2008 and 2009, a 50% cost savings.

I invite you to join with us in building the future of engineering mechanics. You can join EMI online at http://www.engmechinstitute.org/index.html.