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.

Fei Huo | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fei Huo | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Southwest Petroleum University, China

Professor Fei Huo is a distinguished academic at Southwest Petroleum University, recognized for his pioneering research and outstanding contributions to petroleum engineering. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation bridging geological engineering and geochemistry, Professor Huo has become a leading figure in sedimentology and natural gas reservoir studies. His extensive involvement in both academia and industry consulting has positioned him as a prominent voice in advancing the understanding of unconventional oil and gas geology. Over the years, his dedicated efforts have significantly enriched scientific knowledge and technological development in petroleum-related fields, securing his reputation as a key contributor to innovations in carbon capture, utilization, and storage.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Huo’s educational background is a testament to his commitment to multidisciplinary excellence. He earned his Ph.D. in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering from Southwest Petroleum University between September 2015 and December 2019, following a Master’s degree in Geochemistry from the same institution completed in 2015. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Law from Shandong University of Finance and Economics in 2009, reflecting his broad academic curiosity and unique perspective that combines technical and analytical expertise.

Experience

Professor Huo’s professional journey demonstrates steady growth across research and teaching domains. After completing his postdoctoral research at Chengdu University of Technology from March 2020 to June 2022, he assumed a Lecturer position at Southwest Petroleum University, where he continues to mentor students and conduct groundbreaking research. He also serves as a Member of the Academic Committee at the Research Institute for Carbon Dioxide Capture, Utilization, and Storage, actively contributing to national strategies on carbon management and sustainable development. His industry consulting experience further complements his academic work, providing practical insights that enrich his research outcomes and foster stronger university-industry collaborations.

Research Interest

Professor Huo’s primary research interests encompass the material basis of natural gas reservoir formation, sedimentology, oil and gas geology, unconventional oil and gas geology, and paleoclimate restoration. He is particularly renowned for his systematic studies on tectonic-sedimentary differentiation and the hydrocarbon and reservoir formation mechanisms in the Sichuan Basin. His integration of petroleum geology and sedimentology has led to innovative theoretical frameworks, especially concerning shale and carbonate formations. Through comprehensive field studies and advanced modeling, he has illuminated complex geological processes crucial for effective resource extraction and reservoir management.

Award

Throughout his career, Professor Huo has received significant recognition for his scholarly and innovative contributions. His work has been acknowledged through various nominations for prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Scientist Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Scientist Award, Best Researcher Award, Best Innovation Award, Best Faculty Award, Best Research Scholar Award, Excellence in Innovation, and Excellence in Research. His involvement in high-impact projects, advisory roles, and editorial responsibilities for top journals further reflects his leadership in the field.

Publication

Professor Huo has authored numerous influential publications that have garnered widespread citations and recognition. Some of his notable publications include:

(1) Huo F., Wang X., Wen H., et al., “Genetic mechanism and pore evolution in high quality dolomite reservoirs of the Changxing-Feixianguan Formation in the northeastern Sichuan Basin, China,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2020, cited by multiple subsequent studies;

(2) Huo F., et al., “Sedimentary facies and reservoir evolution of dolomite rocks in a rift setting,” Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2021;

(3) Huo F., et al., “Carbonate platform margin dynamics and reservoir prediction,” Carbonates and Evaporites, 2022;

(4) Huo F., et al., “Paleoclimate implications from carbonate isotopic data in gas-bearing basins,” Sedimentary Geology, 2021;

(5) Huo F., et al., “Unconventional reservoir formation mechanisms under tectonic influence,” Geological Journal, 2023;

(6) Huo F., et al., “High-resolution stratigraphy and its implication for hydrocarbon exploration,” Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2020;

(7) Huo F., et al., “Application of geochemical indicators in evaluating gas reservoir quality,” Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2022. Each publication has been cited by several peer-reviewed articles, reflecting their lasting impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Fei Huo exemplifies excellence in petroleum engineering research, education, and professional service. His comprehensive approach, combining theoretical modeling, field exploration, and industry collaboration, has significantly advanced the scientific community’s understanding of reservoir geology and carbon management. His body of work not only addresses current challenges in energy resource development but also paves the way for more sustainable and efficient practices in the future. Professor Huo’s dedication, innovative spirit, and leadership continue to inspire the next generation of petroleum engineers and geoscientists globally.