Born in Hungary, Tibor Z. Harmathy obtained his first degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Budapest University of Technology. Later received Doctor of Engineering degree (Doktor der Technischen Wissenschaften) from the Vienna University of Technology. Recognized as Professional Engineer in Ontario and California. Immigrated with wife to Canada. Joined the Fire Research Section of the Division of Building Research (National Research Council of Canada) as Research Officer. Appointed later Head of the Section. As delegate of Canada, participated in the work of the American Society of Testing and Materials, the American Concrete Institute, and the Conseil International de Bâtiment. Presented numerous papers at the conferences of these and other scientific and engineering societies, held in various cities of North America and Europe. Invited to Taiwan to lecture to the Taiwanese fire services about the Canadian experience.