The OCEERC was established as a joint research centre of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Its objective is to foster research in earthquake engineering at the two universities as well as to bring together researchers from industry, government agencies, and universities in the National Capital Region, who are active in the field of earthquake engineering, and who have produced valuable research in the area. The current concentration of earthquake engineering expertise in the broader Ottawa region is quite diversified and has a distinct profile that makes it unique in Canada. OCEERC was created to promote high quality research, technology development, and education in all areas of earthquake engineering, with particular emphasis on the structural, geotechnical and seismological aspects.
Although the activities of OCEERC focus on areas of interest to North America, many of the research projects at the Centre are of international interest. The Centre actively seeks research links with earthquake engineering researchers and research institutions worldwide, and welcomes high quality Canadian and foreign graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and visiting scholars. The Centre promotes its research activity by publishing and distributing research reports on topics in earthquake engineering. The Centre also provides opportunities for specialized education in the field of earthquake engineering to practicing engineers. The universities jointly offer an opportunity for specialization in the field of Earthquake Engineering within the existing graduate programs of OCICE. Some of the courses offered, as part of this specialization, include; earthquake engineering, dynamics of structures, advanced structural steel design and advanced reinforced concrete design including components on earthquake resistant design of structural systems with specific construction materials.
The researchers of OCEERC are recognized for their innovative work and are at the forefront of their respective fields.