Education, in many different forms, is frequently the subject of articles, features, commentary, etc. in news media. Education has always been a primary interest of the CISC and the Canadian Welding Bureau, the two principal sponsors of this publication, Advantage Steel. Much of this interest is now focused through the Steel Structures Education Foundation and the Gooderham Centre for Industrial Learning.
The Foundation was established in 1985 through the initiative of the CISC. More information on this Foundation is contained in the article "Research in Structural Steel - Canadian Style". The Gooderham Centre (or GCIL for short) is one of three Divisions of the
CWB Group (The other two are the Canadian Welding Bureau and QUASAR). Named after the first General Manager of the Canadian Welding Bureau, Ron Gooderham, GCIL provides comprehensive continuing education opportunities in subjects related to welding - for engineers and welding personnel.
The important contribution to education for engineers by research programmes conducted at Canadian universities is evident in the article "Research in Structural Steel - Canadian Style". Not only professors and students benefit. Technology transfer emanating from the research projects occurs through papers in engineering journals, presentations at conferences, deliberations in committees writing standards and codes, and textbooks, handbooks and computer programs - as well as continuing education courses provided by organizations like CISC, the Education Foundation and GCIL.
It is encouraging that research in steel structures, at Canadian universities, is again being supported in a systematic manner by the steel industry.
Other articles in this issue continue our practice of featuring structures that win awards in CISC Regional Committee Design Awards Programmes. By coincidence two of the award winners also relate to education - but this time dealing with structures in which educational activities take place.
Hugh A. Krentz, P.Eng., editor