Said Gaci | Geophysics Reservoir Characterization | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Said Gaci | Geophysics Reservoir Characterization | Best Researcher Award

Head of Technical and Scientific Support for R&D at Sonatrach-DC R&D, Algeria

Dr. Said Gaci is an accomplished geophysicist and research leader with extensive expertise in hydrocarbon exploration, signal processing, and petroleum reservoir analysis. Currently serving as the Director of Scientific and Technical Support for R&D at Sonatrach, he has built a distinguished career in Algeria’s energy sector, integrating scientific innovation with operational excellence. Dr. Gaci is renowned for introducing advanced seismic methods and machine learning techniques into geophysical workflows, significantly improving subsurface characterization. His professional footprint includes over two decades of experience, major collaborations with academic and industry partners, and a prolific record of publishing influential books and journal articles in petroleum geoscience.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Gaci holds multiple advanced degrees, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary academic foundation. He received his Engineer diploma in Geophysics in 1997 and a Magister degree in Petroleum Economics and Strategic Management in 2004 from the Algerian Petroleum Institute. Simultaneously, he earned another Magister degree in Geophysics in 2002, followed by a Ph.D. in 2011 from the University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algeria. His doctoral work focused on multifractional analysis of geophysical signals, which became foundational to many of his later innovations in reservoir modeling. He also holds a habilitation to supervise research, granted in 2016.

Experience

Dr. Gaci has accumulated over 20 years of professional experience in geophysics and energy research. From 2004 to 2015, he served in multiple technical roles at Sonatrach’s Exploration Division. He later led R&D departments and training divisions at the Algerian Petroleum Institute from 2015 to 2024. Since October 2024, he has headed the scientific and technical support for Sonatrach’s Central R&D Directorate. His portfolio includes supervising multidisciplinary teams on seismic interpretation, economic feasibility, and reservoir analysis. In parallel, he contributed as a part-time lecturer and regularly collaborates with international institutions on energy-related projects and theses.

Research Interest

Dr. Gaci’s research focuses on advanced geophysical signal processing, reservoir characterization, empirical mode decomposition, and machine learning in seismic data analysis. He has introduced multifractional Brownian motion models for interpreting heterogeneities in borehole data and pioneered methods integrating AI with traditional seismic attributes. His work aims to improve fluid detection and lithological segmentation in complex subsurface environments. He continues to explore applications in geothermal energy and carbon storage, using AI and fractal geometry. He has completed multiple international consulting and industry research projects, applying cutting-edge techniques to real-world petroleum challenges.

Awards

Dr. Gaci has gained recognition for his scientific leadership and technical excellence. He serves on editorial boards of reputed journals such as Arabian Journal of Geosciences and Frontiers in Earth Science. He has chaired and co-convened numerous international conferences, including sessions at the EGU General Assembly and AAPG events. Additionally, he was appointed as a university qualification expert by Algeria’s Ministry of Higher Education. His achievements include several awards for research excellence and invited roles in global geoscience forums.

Publications

Dr. Gaci has published over 40 journal articles and authored seven technical books. Selected recent publications include:

  1. Machine Learning and Seismic Attributes for Petroleum Prospect Generation and Evaluation (2025, Interpretation Journal)

  2. Petrophysical evaluation using CNNs in Berkine Basin (2024, Journal of Engineering Research)

  3. Advanced signal and pattern recognition in geosciences (2023, Frontiers in Earth Science)

  4. A Grey System Approach for Hölderian Regularity Estimation (2021, Fractal and Fractional).

  5. Investigation of lithological heterogeneities using EMD-Hölder (2022, Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering)

  6. Seismic attributes for hydrocarbon detection in Australia (2021, Arabian Journal of Geosciences).

  7. Spectral and amplitude decomposition for fluid detection (2020, Journal of Seismic Exploration).

These publications demonstrate his high-impact contributions to petroleum geophysics and applied research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Said Gaci stands as a leading figure in petroleum geophysics, blending academic rigor with real-world application. His interdisciplinary expertise, from signal theory to economic modeling, has transformed how seismic data are interpreted and utilized for hydrocarbon exploration. With numerous publications, pioneering research, and international collaborations, he continues to push the boundaries of what is technically possible in reservoir characterization.

Dahai Wang | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Dahai Wang | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, China

Dahai Wang is a distinguished researcher at the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute with over 15 years of expertise in unconventional petroleum geology. His work has significantly advanced the understanding and development of fine-grained sedimentary reservoirs, particularly in tight sandstone gas, deep carbonate formations, and shale oil/gas systems. As a leading contributor to the field, he integrates reservoir characterization, fluid dynamics, and hydraulic fracturing optimization to enhance hydrocarbon recovery in low-permeability geological settings. His innovations have not only contributed to scientific knowledge but also improved operational performance across various national-scale energy projects, positioning him as a vital contributor to China’s energy security and sustainable development.

Profile

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Education

Dahai Wang’s educational background is rooted in geosciences with a specialization in petroleum engineering and sedimentary geology. His formal training and subsequent professional development have laid a strong academic foundation, enabling his transition from theoretical research to practical applications. His education emphasized the coupling of geological modeling with engineering techniques, equipping him with the multidisciplinary insights necessary for handling the complexity of unconventional reservoirs.

Experience

Over the course of his career, Dahai Wang has amassed rich and varied professional experience. He has led and participated in seven major research projects, including the influential “Ordos Basin Large Low-Permeability Lithologic Reservoir Demonstration Project.” In this initiative, he spearheaded the development of an integrated reservoir prediction and fracturing optimization system that increased reservoir prediction accuracy by 20%, boosted single-well productivity by 15%, and contributed to a 10% rise in the annual output at the Changqing Oilfield. His track record extends to 18 consultancy and industry projects, demonstrating his strong engagement with real-world applications. His collaborative work with industry partners ensures his research outputs are scalable, impactful, and practically viable.

Research Interest

Wang’s primary research interests revolve around unconventional oil and gas geology, particularly focusing on low-permeability and subsalt reservoirs. He has made significant contributions to reservoir prediction, hydraulic fracturing techniques, and helium enrichment mechanisms. One of his most innovative achievements is the proposal of a “bauxite layer-controlled” helium enrichment model, which led to China’s first discovery of a bauxite-hosted helium reservoir. Furthermore, his advances in subsalt reservoir evaluation helped identify three large subsalt targets, each with over 500 BCM of gas resources, and facilitated the optimization of ten high-yield zones in the southern Ordos Basin. These efforts have directly contributed to reducing exploration risk by 30%.

Award

Dahai Wang’s contributions to the field have earned him numerous recognitions, including editorial appointments and professional memberships, such as with the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA). His technical leadership in national projects and innovative methodologies have positioned him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. His patents—ten published or under process—highlight the novelty and application of his research outcomes. Additionally, his leadership and achievements in industry-collaborated projects underscore his alignment with the goals of sustainable resource development and national energy priorities.

Publications

Wang’s scholarly impact is reflected in his peer-reviewed publications and citation metrics. He has authored seven key journal publications in reputed scientific outlets. Notable works include:

  1. “Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization in Tight Gas Reservoirs,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2017, cited by 56 articles;

  2. “Characterization of Deep Carbonate Rocks in the Ordos Basin,” Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2018, cited by 42 articles;

  3. “Helium Enrichment and Bauxite Layer Control Mechanisms,” Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2019, cited by 37 articles;

  4. “Integrated Modeling for Subsalt Gas Exploration,” AAPG Bulletin, 2020, cited by 33 articles;

  5. “Fracture Prediction in Low-Permeability Reservoirs,” Fuel, 2021, cited by 29 articles;

  6. “Evaluation of Shale Oil Potential in China,” Energy Exploration & Exploitation, 2022, cited by 25 articles;

  7. “Technological Framework for Unconventional Resource Development,” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 2023, cited by 19 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dahai Wang exemplifies excellence in petroleum engineering through his sustained contributions to unconventional resource exploration and development. His career blends rigorous academic research with practical innovations that have yielded measurable industry impacts. His ability to lead national-level projects, publish influential research, and drive technological advancements makes him a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. With a vision aligned with sustainable and efficient energy production, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the domain of unconventional oil and gas geology.

Bawoke Mekuye Getnet | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bawoke Mekuye Getnet | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Researcher and Lecturer at Mekdela Amba University, Ethiopia

Bawoke Mekuye Getnet is a dedicated physicist and academic with substantial experience in both secondary and higher education, coupled with a growing research profile in nanomaterials and computational condensed matter physics. His academic journey has been defined by a deep commitment to enhancing scientific understanding and innovation in Ethiopia. As a lecturer and coordinator at Mekdela Amba University, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and research landscape of the institution. His work, marked by both theoretical and computational depth, has contributed meaningfully to the study of optical properties and magnetic behavior in nanomaterials and semiconductors.

Profile

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Education

Bawoke Mekuye began his academic journey in physics at Dilla University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in 2013. Following his passion for deeper scientific inquiry, he pursued a Master of Science degree at Debre Markos University, completing it in 2019 with a focus on applied and theoretical physics. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in computational modeling and materials science, which he has skillfully applied in both research and teaching.

Experience

Starting his career as a physics teacher at Debre Work Secondary and Preparatory School in 2013, Bawoke Mekuye developed a strong grounding in pedagogy and science communication. In 2020, he transitioned into higher education as a lecturer at Mekdela Amba University, where he currently teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students. Since 2023, he has also served as the Coordinator for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Continuing Education Programs in the College of Natural and Computational Sciences. In this role, he has been instrumental in curriculum development and academic program management. His experience extends to teacher training and professional development, having conducted multiple training sessions for educators and students.

Research Interest

Bawoke Mekuye’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, materials science, and condensed matter physics. He focuses primarily on the optical and magnetic properties of nanomaterials, with specific attention to the effects of size, doping, and external fields on semiconductor behavior. His theoretical and computational investigations explore advanced materials such as diluted magnetic semiconductors, silver and gold nanoparticles, and emerging energy-related nanostructures. Through his work, he aims to contribute to advancements in high-performance materials for electronics, photonics, and energy storage systems.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, Bawoke Mekuye has received recognition for his commitment to science and education. He was honored by Mekdela Amba University for his seminar presentation on nanomaterials, where he effectively communicated complex concepts regarding synthesis, classification, and application of nanostructures. Additionally, he has been active as a reviewer for renowned scientific journals including those published by IOP, Elsevier, and Springer Nature, further reflecting his growing standing in the scientific community.

Publications

Bawoke Mekuye has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in prominent journals, reflecting his expertise in computational physics and nanomaterials. Among his most cited works are:

Mekuye B, Abera B. “Nanomaterials: An overview of synthesis, classification, characterization, and applications.” Nano Select, 2023.

Mekuye B. “The Impact of Size on the Optical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Based on Dielectric Function.” IntechOpen, 2023.

Mekuye B, Höfer R, Mebratie G. “Computational Study of the Effect of the Size-Dependent Dielectric Functions of Gold Nanomaterials on Optical Properties.” Advances in Condensed Matter Physics, 2024.

Mekuye B, Atnafu D, et al. “Computational investigation of high Curie temperature in iron‐doped GaSb.” Nano Select, 2024.

Mekuye B, Zerihun G. “Theoretical study on the effects of Mn ion doping and magnetic field in (In, Mn)As.” Results in Physics, 2024.

Mekuye B, Höfer R, Abera B. “Nanomaterials: Terms, Definition and Classification.” Elsevier, 2024.

Mekuye B, Mebratie G, et al. “Energy: An Overview of Type, Form, Storage, Advantages, Efficiency, and Their Impact.” Energy Science & Engineering, 2024.

These publications have collectively gained citations from numerous researchers exploring nanostructured materials, semiconductor physics, and applied energy systems.

Conclusion

Bawoke Mekuye Getnet stands out as a rising academic whose contributions span both education and scientific research. His dedication to teaching, mentoring, and academic coordination complements his research excellence in the field of nanomaterials and theoretical physics. With his active engagement in scholarly communication, peer review, and training initiatives, he continues to foster scientific innovation and educational excellence in Ethiopia and beyond. His career trajectory reflects not only a deep passion for physics but also a forward-looking vision for the transformative role of science in society.