Said Gaci | Geophysics Reservoir Characterization | Best Researcher Award

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.

Cristiano Fick | Reservoir Simulation and Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cristiano Fick | Reservoir Simulation and Modeling | Best Researcher Award

Post-doctoral Researcher at  Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dr. Cristiano Fick is a sedimentology researcher whose work bridges experimental modeling and coastal geology. With a foundation in marine geology and bioclastic sedimentation, his contributions span academic research, technical consultancy, and editorial leadership. His focus on coquinas and carbonate accumulations has positioned him as a specialist in physical modeling of sedimentary processes. Through collaborative efforts and consistent publication, he has advanced understanding of coastal sediment dynamics and biogenic rock formations, making him a strong candidate for recognition in petroleum engineering research.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Fick’s academic journey began with a degree in Geology, followed by a Master of Science in Marine Geology. He later earned a PhD in Science with a specialization in sedimentology, particularly the study of bioclastic accumulations such as coquinas. His doctoral research emphasized the physical behavior and depositional patterns of carbonate-rich sediments, laying the groundwork for his postdoctoral investigations. His education reflects a strong commitment to geological sciences, with a particular interest in experimental sedimentology and coastal processes.

Experience

Professionally, Dr. Fick serves as a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Sedimentary Geology (LAGESED) at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. His work involves experimental modeling of coquinas using wave tanks and sediment channels at NECOD/IPH. In addition to his academic role, he acts as a technical consultant for sedimentary modeling projects, contributing to both research and applied industry efforts. His experience spans fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, and collaborative research, making him a versatile contributor to sedimentological studies.

Research Interest

Dr. Fick’s research interests center on sedimentology, coastal dynamics, and biogenic carbonate rocks. He investigates the formation and behavior of coquinas through physical modeling, aiming to replicate natural depositional environments in controlled settings. His work contributes to understanding how wave energy, sediment transport, and bioclastic composition influence accumulation patterns. These insights are valuable for petroleum reservoir characterization, coastal management, and geological modeling. His interdisciplinary approach integrates geology, hydrodynamics, and experimental design.

Award

While Dr. Fick has not yet received formal awards, his nomination reflects recognition of his growing impact in sedimentological research. His editorial appointments in over ten journals and his consultancy role in industry projects underscore his professional credibility. His work on coquinas and carbonate sedimentation has relevance to petroleum exploration and reservoir modeling, aligning with the goals of the Petroleum Engineering Awards. His nomination is a testament to his dedication and emerging leadership in the field.

Publication

Dr. Fick has published twelve peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in SCI and Scopus. Below are seven selected publications:

2020Análise tafonômica de concentrações bioclásticas geradas em modelagem física de um sistema de águas rasas dominado por ondas, published in Pesquisas em Geociências.

2020Threshold of motion of bivalve and gastropod shells under oscillatory flow in flume experiments, published in Sedimentology.

2018Shell concentration dynamics driven by wave motion in flume experiments: Insights for coquina facies from lake-margin settings, published in Sedimentary Geology.

2017Autogenic influence on the morphology of submarine fans: An approach from 3D physical modelling of turbidity currents, published in the Brazilian Journal of Geology.

2017Sedimentology and stratigraphy of a deltaic deposit generated by physical modelling from core samples, published in Pesquisas em Geociências.

2019Sedimentologia das concentrações de conchas de moluscos (coquinas) em ambiente de águas rasas dominado por ondas: um estudo experimental do bioclasto à fácie, a thesis that has informed subsequent journal publications on coquina formation and sediment dynamics.

2025Sedimentological and biofabric patterns for hybrid coquina deposits: Insights from wave tank experiments, published in Sedimentology.

Conclusion

Dr. Fick’s body of work demonstrates a consistent focus on sedimentary processes and carbonate systems. His publications reflect a blend of theoretical insight and experimental rigor, contributing to both academic discourse and practical applications in petroleum geology. His editorial roles and research collaborations further amplify his influence. With a strong foundation in marine geology and a specialized focus on coquinas, Dr. Fick exemplifies the qualities of a researcher whose work advances the field of petroleum engineering. His nomination is well-deserved and timely.