The establishment of GEM was set in motion in 2006 by the first of three workshops on Earthquake Science organised under the OECD Global Science Forum.

In 2007, GEM received a big financial boost after Munich Re earmarked 5M euros for a 5-year period and signed to become GEM's first and main private participant.

Four scientists played a particularly relevant role in bringing GEM to fruition: 
- Jochen Zschau (GFZ Potsdam, Retired)
- Ross Stein (USGS, Retired)
- Domenico Giardini (ETH Zurich)
- Anselm Smolka (Munich Re, Retired)

The contribution of the following individuals in the early stages of GEM is also acknowledged: Frederic Sgard (OECD-GSF), Kate Stillwell (UC Berkeley) and Conrad Lindholm (NORSAR).