Shuangmei Zou | Reservoir Fluid Flow | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shuangmei Zou | Reservoir Fluid Flow | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at China University of Geosciences, China

Dr. Shuangmei Zou is an Associate Professor at the School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences. With over a decade of academic and professional experience, she specializes in porous media characterization and subsurface flow processes critical to energy transition technologies. Her research bridges experimental and computational techniques to explore fluid dynamics in geological formations. Dr. Zou is a respected scholar with numerous publications in leading journals and editorial responsibilities. She actively contributes to global scientific communities through professional memberships and international collaborations. Her interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to applied geoscience have made significant contributions to energy resource optimization.

👤 Profile

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🏫 Education

Dr. Zou completed her Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, in 2018. Her doctoral research, under the supervision of Professors Ryan T. Armstrong, Christoph Arns, and Furqan Hussain, focused on multiphase flow and pore-scale phenomena in porous media. She previously earned a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Field Engineering (2012) and a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering (2009), both from China University of Geosciences. Her academic foundation combines rigorous engineering and geoscience training, equipping her with a solid theoretical background and practical problem-solving skills relevant to energy systems and reservoir engineering.

💼 Experience

Dr. Zou currently serves as an Associate Professor at the China University of Geosciences, a role she has held since March 2022. She began her academic career at the same institution as a Lecturer in 2019. Before transitioning to academia, she worked as an Assistant Reservoir Engineer for the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), where she applied reservoir simulation and engineering techniques in field development. Her career trajectory reflects a blend of industry knowledge and academic rigor, enabling her to mentor students and lead research on subsurface fluid transport, underground energy storage, and pore-scale material modeling.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Zou’s research spans digital materials characterization, porous media imaging, and modeling of multiphase flow. She investigates the physical principles governing fluid displacement in geological systems using advanced X-ray micro-computed tomography and pore-scale imaging. Her work supports innovations in underground energy storage, enhanced oil recovery, and carbon capture technologies. She has pioneered methods for analyzing wettability effects and interfacial dynamics in mixed-wet and water-wet conditions. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates petroleum engineering, geophysics, and computational modeling, contributing to the scientific understanding and practical advancement of future energy technologies under complex subsurface conditions.

🏅 Award

Dr. Zou’s academic excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards. She received a Ph.D. Research Stipend and Full Tuition Fee Scholarship from UNSW between 2013 and 2017. In 2016, she was awarded the Postgraduate Research Student Support (PRSS) Conference Travel Grant by the UNSW Graduate Research School, which supported her participation in international conferences. Earlier in her academic journey, she earned the National Endeavor Scholarship from China University of Geosciences in 2008. These honors reflect her sustained academic performance and recognition by both domestic and international institutions for her potential and contributions to research.

📚 Publication

Dr. Zou has authored numerous influential publications, including the following selected works:

  1. Kang N, Zou S, et al. (2025). “Insights into Interfacial Dynamic and Displacement Patterns…” Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (Accepted).

  2. Cai J, Qin X, Wang H, Xia Y, Zou S. (2024). “Pore-scale investigation of forced imbibition…” Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Cited by 6.

  3. Zou S, Zhang Y, Ma L. (2024). “Imaging techniques for optimizing underground energy storage.” Advances in Geo-Energy Research, Cited by 10.

  4. Zou S, et al. (2024). “Energy signature in multiphase flow regimes.” Water Resources Research, 60(3), Cited by 14.

  5. Zou S, et al. (2022). “Characterization of Two-Phase Flow…” Energies, 15(6):2036, Cited by 18.

  6. Zou S, Liu Y, Cai J, et al. (2020). “Influence of capillarity on relative permeability.” Water Resources Research, 56(11), Cited by 21.

  7. Zou S, Sun C. (2020). “X-ray imaging of wettability in porous media: A review.” Capillarity, 3(3), Cited by 25.

These publications reflect her contributions to the fields of geophysics, fluid mechanics, and porous media research.

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Shuangmei Zou is a distinguished researcher whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of multiphase flow in porous media. Her publications and leadership roles in editorial boards demonstrate her influence in the scientific community. She bridges the gap between theoretical modeling and practical application, enabling technological advancements in underground energy storage and enhanced oil recovery. Her research has both academic value and real-world impact, addressing critical challenges in the energy sector. Through innovative experimentation, high-impact scholarship, and international collaboration, Dr. Zou exemplifies the qualities of a leading scientist deserving of recognition and further opportunities for advancement.

Ida Lykke Fabricius | Petrophysics and Rock Physics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Ida Lykke Fabricius | Petrophysics and Rock Physics | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emerita at Technical University of Denmark, Denmark

Ida Lykke Fabricius is a distinguished geoscientist whose career spans over four decades of impactful contributions to sedimentary rock physics and geotechnical engineering. Currently Professor Emerita at DTU Sustain, she has played a central role in bridging the gap between academic research and applied geoscience, particularly within the domains of sediment mechanics, rock physics, and reservoir characterization. Her legacy is reflected not only in her extensive publication record but also in her leadership within Danish and Scandinavian scientific institutions. Fabricius has continuously advanced the understanding of how sedimentary rock properties evolve under geological processes, guiding the development of energy, environmental, and civil infrastructure projects.

Profile

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Education

Fabricius’s academic journey began with an MSc in Geology from the University of Copenhagen in 1981, where she was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal. She went on to earn her PhD in 1988 at the Institute of Applied Geology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), focusing on the physical behavior of geological materials. Her academic pursuit culminated in a Dr. techn. degree in 2009 from DTU’s Department of Environmental Engineering, affirming her status as a leading authority in her field. Her progressive academic training reflects a continuous and deepening specialization in geotechnical and geological engineering.

Experience

With a career marked by steady advancement and scientific leadership, Fabricius began as a Development Geologist at Mærsk Oil and Gas (1981–1985) before transitioning to academia. From 1985 to 1988, she served as an Assistant Professor/PhD student at DTU, moving into an Associate Professor role until 2011. She took on early leadership as Head of Department in Geology and Geotechnical Engineering from 1989 to 1992, and later held the positions of Professor MSO (2011–2016), Head of Section (2012–2022), and Professor (2016–2024) at the Department of Civil Engineering, DTU. Internationally, she also contributed as Professor II at the University of Stavanger (2014–2018). Her transition to Professor Emerita in 2024 marks a continuing commitment to mentoring and scientific dialogue.

Research Interest

Fabricius’s research centers on the physical properties of sediments and sedimentary rocks, particularly in relation to pore fluid composition, pressure, temperature, and diagenesis. Her work integrates laboratory measurements with field data, enabling robust models for mechanical behavior and acoustic properties of sedimentary formations. She has contributed significantly to linking rock physics and rock mechanics, with applications ranging from hydrocarbon exploration to sustainable subsurface infrastructure. Her interdisciplinary approach has helped to unify geotechnical engineering, geophysics, and petrophysics into actionable scientific frameworks.

Award

Throughout her career, Fabricius has received notable honors that underscore her technical leadership and service. In 2023, she received the SPE Copenhagen Award for Outstanding Technical & Academic Contributions, a recognition of her influence in petroleum geoscience. She was knighted as “Ridder af Dannebrogsordenen” in 2019, reflecting national recognition of her contributions to science. Earlier distinctions include the Direktør Gorm-Petersens Mindelegat in 1989 and the University of Copenhagen Gold Medal in 1981. These awards affirm both her early promise and long-standing excellence.

Publication

Fabricius has authored over 98 Web of Science-indexed articles with 2,730 citations and an h-index of 30, reflecting her sustained influence in geoscience. Some notable publications include:

  1. Fabricius, I. L. (2003). “How burial diagenesis affects chalk porosity.” AAPG Bulletin, cited by 289 articles.

  2. Fabricius, I. L., et al. (2007). “Petrophysical properties of chalk: pore structure and acoustic velocity.” Petroleum Geoscience, cited by 174 articles.

  3. Fabricius, I. L., & Baechle, G. (2009). “Elastic moduli of chalk and pore system properties.” Geophysics, cited by 141 articles.

  4. Fabricius, I. L., et al. (2008). “Effect of temperature and salinity on acoustic velocity in chalk.” Geophysical Prospecting, cited by 97 articles.

  5. Fabricius, I. L. (2006). “Pore pressure prediction from acoustic data.” Marine and Petroleum Geology, cited by 85 articles.

  6. Fabricius, I. L., & Røgen, B. (2001). “Strength and porosity of chalk from the North Sea.” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, cited by 76 articles.

  7. Fabricius, I. L., et al. (2010). “Velocity–porosity transforms in chalk.” Geophysical Journal International, cited by 69 articles.

These selected publications highlight her integrative and data-driven approach to understanding chalk and sedimentary systems.

Conclusion

Professor Ida Lykke Fabricius has established herself as a cornerstone of geoscientific advancement in Denmark and beyond. Her pioneering research in sedimentary rock physics has shaped both theoretical understanding and practical applications in petroleum engineering, geotechnics, and environmental geoscience. Her leadership roles, high-impact publications, and national honors reflect a lifetime of dedication to scientific integrity, innovation, and education. Fabricius remains a role model for emerging geoscientists, combining rigorous analysis with a collaborative and visionary approach to earth sciences.

Abirmoy Ghosh | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Abirmoy Ghosh | Petroleum Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Manager at INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED PANIPAT REFINERY, India

Abirmoy Ghosh is a dynamic and results-oriented professional currently serving as Manager at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Panipat Refinery. With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and over nine years of experience in refinery operations and R&D, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in mechanical design, engineering, and stress analysis. Abirmoy’s contributions have had a tangible impact on the reliability and performance of critical refinery systems, addressing long-standing mechanical challenges through innovative research and engineering interventions. His work bridges practical industrial needs with technical rigor, making him a valuable asset to the engineering and research community.

Profile

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Education

Abirmoy holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Technology degree in Applied Mechanics, both from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. His academic training laid a strong theoretical and analytical foundation, which he has effectively translated into real-world problem-solving capabilities. His education has enabled him to approach refinery challenges with a structured methodology grounded in core mechanical principles and advanced analytical techniques.

Experience

Abirmoy Ghosh brings nine years of specialized experience in the petroleum refining sector through his tenure at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. His career has spanned both refinery operations and the Research & Development Centre of IOCL, where he has played pivotal roles in project execution, failure analysis, and mechanical design. He has been involved in troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintaining critical refinery components across multiple IOCL sites. His expertise in stress analysis and mechanical integrity assessments has contributed significantly to the enhancement of safety, reliability, and efficiency in refinery operations.

Research Interest

Abirmoy’s research interests lie primarily in mechanical design and stress analysis with a focus on solving persistent mechanical failures in refinery systems. He is particularly driven by industrial problems that demand customized analytical and engineering solutions. His recent work on improving the reliability of expansion joints in the reactor overhead lines of Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units exemplifies his approach to research—targeting chronic issues with precision analysis, solution engineering, and practical implementation. His broader interests include fatigue analysis, material behavior under stress, and high-temperature component reliability.

Award

In recognition of his pioneering work in addressing a long-pending reliability issue in a critical refinery system, Abirmoy Ghosh is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative contributions to mechanical failure analysis and design optimization have delivered significant operational improvements, directly impacting plant reliability and safety. The research he led resolved a problem that had persisted for over three decades, exemplifying his capability to translate academic and analytical insight into transformative industrial solutions.

Publication

Abirmoy has one notable journal publication to his credit.

“Failure Analysis and Reliability Improvement of Expansion Joint in FCC Reactor Overhead Line of Petroleum Refinery”, Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, Springer, 2025. Cited by 4 articles to date.

This publication details the comprehensive engineering analysis and design enhancements that resolved a persistent failure in one of the most critical components of a refinery’s FCC unit.

His work provides a replicable model for solving similar high-stress failure problems in other heavy-industrial settings, underlining both technical depth and industrial relevance.

Conclusion

Abirmoy Ghosh exemplifies the ideal balance between academic rigor and industrial pragmatism. His contributions in the domain of mechanical design and reliability engineering have not only solved a historically unaddressed issue in IOCL’s refinery operations but have also set a benchmark for problem-solving in the petroleum refining industry. His deep technical insight, backed by strong educational credentials and a track record of impactful implementation, makes him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Abirmoy continues to strive toward innovative solutions that improve reliability and safety, making him a valuable leader in engineering and applied research.