RenaissanceRe (NYSE: RNR) created the RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences Foundation to support advanced scientific research in atmospheric risks, the development of risk mitigation techniques to safeguard communities, efforts that reduce the economic turmoil following disasters, and organizations that preserve coastal habitats. The Foundation promotes education, preparation, adaptation and mitigation of natural catastrophe risks through a number of activities, including the Hurricane Risk Mitigation Leadership Forum Series. For more information, visit www.mitigationleadership.com

WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. is a U.S. affiliate of RenaissanceRe. The firm focuses on modeling atmospheric hazards and vulnerability. WeatherPredict's team of advanced scientists draws upon expertise in oceanography, meteorology, wind engineering, aerodynamics and computer simulation. WeatherPredict's business includes providing intelligence on atmospheric perils to a range of entities with an interest in anticipating the occurrence and outcome of weather events. For more information, visit www.weatherpredict.com.

The non-profit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. - FLASH® is a 501(c)3 collaboration of organizations dedicated to strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disaster. Based in Tallahassee, FLASH is the nation's fastest-growing disaster safety education organization with more than 100 partners including BASF, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot, International Code Council, National Weather Service, Renaissance Reinsurance, Simpson Strong-Tie, Risk Management Services, State Farm, USAA and WeatherPredict Consulting, Inc. In 2008, FLASH opened the interactive weather experience; StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® in the Walt Disney World Resort®. Visit www.flash.org or call (877) 221-SAFE (7233) to learn more about FLASH and access their free consumer resources today.

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research organization wholly supported by the property insurance industry. IBHS works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural and man-made disasters, as well as other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices. Based in Tampa, FL, IBHS will open a new, state-of-the-art, world class building science research facility in October 2010, located in Chester County, SC. IBHS has more than 200 insurance and reinsurance company members and also partners with numerous organizations concerned about property protection, including the fire services, building trade groups, other scientific research entities, academic institutions, federal agencies, national laboratories and many others. For more information, visit www.DisasterSafety.org or call 1-866-657-IBHS (4247).

The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) is a national, nonprofit, technical society of engineers, geoscientists, architects, planners, public officials, and social scientists. EERI is a leader in earthquake investigations and in the dissemination of earthquake risk reduction information both in the US and globally in cooperation with its international partners.

The objective of the EERI is to reduce earthquake risk by (1) advancing the science and practice of earthquake engineering, (2) improving understanding of the impact of earthquakes on the physical, social, economic, political, and cultural environment, and (3) advocating comprehensive and realistic measures for reducing the harmful effects of earthquakes. For more information, visit www.eeri.org.

The Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) is a multi-institutional research and education center with headquarters at the University of California, Berkeley. Investigators from over 20 universities, several consulting companies, plus researchers at various State and Federal government agencies contribute to research programs focused on performance-based earthquake engineering in disciplines including structural and geotechnical engineering, geology/seismology, lifelines, transportation, risk management, and public policy.

The PEER mission is to develop, validate, and disseminate performance-based seismic design technologies for buildings and infrastructure to meet the diverse economic and safety needs of owners and society. PEER's research defines appropriate performance targets, and develops engineering tools and criteria that can be used by practicing professionals to achieve those targets, such as safety, cost, and post-earthquake functionality. For more information, visit peer.berkeley.edu.

The National Weather Service is a component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is an Operating Unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The stated mission of the National Weather Service is to provide "… weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community." For more information, visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.

The Hurricane Research Team at the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University dates back to 1998 when they received funding to develop a mobile ruggedized meteorological observing station that could be deployed in the path of a landfalling tropical cyclone. The center is made up of faculty and students from the Atmospheric Science Group and the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center. For more information, visit http://www.atmo.ttu.edu/TTUHRT/index.html.

For more than 75 years, the nonprofit National Housing Conference (NHC) has been the United Voice for Housing. A membership drawn from every industry segment forms the foundation for NHC's broad, nonpartisan advocacy for national policies and legislation that promote suitable housing in a safe, decent environment. For more information, visit www.nhc.org.

The University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) members meet research challenges that confront the nation and the world. GSO faculty and facilities address such issues as climate change, hurricanes, pollution, fisheries depletion, and the need for new technology for undersea research and exploration. For more information, visit www.gso.uri.edu.