Collaboration between academia and industry plays an important role in preparing the next generation of engineers, while strengthening the future of South Africa’s steel sector.
SAISC is proud to have facilitated a collaboration between the University of Pretoria’s Formula Student team and SAISC member B.E.D., bringing together academia and industry to support a practical engineering initiative that showcases innovation, technical excellence and real-world problem-solving.
The collaboration followed the use of the SAISC Structural Steel Handbook (Red Book) as a teaching resource within the University’s Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering – demonstrating the value of trusted technical resources beyond their traditional civil engineering application. The project then created an opportunity to connect students with industry, with B.E.D. providing both material support and technical guidance throughout the build.
For SAISC, initiatives like this highlight the value of connecting students with industry while promoting engineering quality, technical standards and practical application. They also demonstrate how collaboration between universities, industry partners and professional institutions helps bridge the gap between academic learning and the realities of engineering practice.
As an industry institute, SAISC remains committed to supporting engineering education through technical resources such as the Red Book, encouraging meaningful collaboration between members and academia, and creating opportunities that strengthen the future engineering skills pipeline.
The completed Formula Student race car will also be showcased at the SAISC Steel Awards 2026, celebrating not only an impressive student achievement, but also the partnerships that help develop engineering talent and advance the structural steel industry.
SAISC congratulates B.E.D., the University of Pretoria and everyone involved in bringing this inspiring project to life, and looks forward to seeing more collaborative initiatives that continue to invest in South Africa’s engineering future.
Further reading: Engineering News – Race car project showcases academia and industry building next-generation engineers
