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.

Xiaojun Tang | Well logging | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Prof. Xiaojun Tang | Well logging | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

Professor Xiaojun Tang is a leading academic in the field of intelligent detection systems applied to petroleum engineering. He currently serves at Xi’an Jiaotong University within the School of Instrumentation Science and Technology, where he also directs the Institute of Intelligent Detection Technology and Systems. With an emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary integration, his academic journey has yielded substantial contributions in well/gas logging, spectral analysis, and intelligent instrumentation systems. He is a seasoned researcher with over 60 publications, 50 patents, and numerous prestigious awards recognizing his technological contributions to petroleum engineering and instrumentation.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Tang’s academic foundation was laid through rigorous scientific training, culminating in a Ph.D. with specialization in instrumentation and signal analysis applied to petroleum applications. His doctoral research sparked his career-long focus on intelligent sensor systems, spectral diagnostics, and well-logging instrumentation. This advanced academic background has informed his leadership in developing frontier technologies that intersect physics, data science, and geoscience for enhanced subsurface exploration.

Experience

Over the years, Professor Tang has accumulated extensive experience in both academia and applied research. At Xi’an Jiaotong University, he has been instrumental in building an ecosystem of innovation that integrates academic research with practical industrial applications. His role as the director of the Institute of Intelligent Detection Technology and Systems highlights his leadership in organizing large-scale collaborative projects. He has spearheaded over 50 major scientific research projects, including those under China’s National Key Scientific Instrument Program and the National Natural Science Foundation. Beyond academia, he has engaged with industry partners such as PetroChina, CNOOC, and Changqing Oilfield, translating research outcomes into actionable field solutions.

Research Interest

Professor Tang’s research interests revolve around intelligent detection technologies for petroleum engineering, particularly in well logging, gas analysis, and mud logging. A key area of his focus is the development and deployment of spectral analysis technologies, notably FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), for wellhead gas diagnostics. His pioneering work in applying FTIR technology has led to novel techniques for identifying aquifers based on water vapor signatures. These contributions have significantly improved reservoir characterization in low-resistivity and low-porosity formations, addressing long-standing challenges in hydrocarbon exploration. His interests also extend to coal mine gas safety and intelligent sensor systems, underscoring a broader commitment to energy sector innovation and safety.

Award

Professor Tang’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through multiple prestigious awards. He is a recipient of the Shaanxi Science and Technology Achievement Award (Second Prize), the Liaoning Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize), and the Innovation Award from the China Instrument Society. These accolades reflect both the originality and practical utility of his research, particularly in the development of advanced instrumentation and data-driven diagnostics for petroleum exploration. His standing as a distinguished researcher is further validated by his h-index of 16 on Scopus, underscoring the significant impact and citation of his work in the scientific community.

Publication

Professor Tang’s scholarly work has been widely disseminated in high-impact journals. His notable publications include:

  1. “FTIR-based detection of water vapor in wellhead gas for aquifer identification,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2021, cited by 32 articles.

  2. “Spectral analysis in well logging: Application of intelligent algorithms,” Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2020, cited by 45 articles.

  3. “A new intelligent gas logging sensor system for low-permeability reservoirs,” IEEE Sensors Journal, 2019, cited by 28 articles.

  4. “Infrared spectral inversion model for mud gas analysis,” Fuel, 2022, cited by 18 articles.

  5. “Smart instrumentation in downhole monitoring: A review,” Measurement, 2018, cited by 50 articles.

  6. “Hybrid sensor fusion for coalbed methane detection,” Energy Exploration & Exploitation, 2023, cited by 10 articles.

  7. “Mathematical modeling of water vapor features in reservoir diagnostics,” Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2021, cited by 21 articles.

These publications collectively illustrate Professor Tang’s commitment to solving complex problems through technological innovation and interdisciplinary research.

Conclusion

Professor Xiaojun Tang exemplifies excellence in petroleum engineering through his sustained contributions to intelligent detection technology. His work bridges academic insight and field application, advancing both theory and practice in subsurface diagnostics. With a strong record of leadership in high-profile research projects, extensive publications, and impactful industry collaborations, he stands out as a pioneer in applying spectral and intelligent instrumentation techniques to petroleum exploration. His achievements have not only influenced the academic community but also directly enhanced operational efficiency and safety in the field. In recognition of his contributions, Professor Tang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in petroleum engineering.

Samy K. Moawad | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Samy K. Moawad | Petroleum Geology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Ain Shams University, Egypt

Samy Kamal Moawad is a highly accomplished geologist with over 22 years of experience in exploration and development geology, specializing in stratigraphy, sedimentology, and tectonic influence on hydrocarbon systems. Currently serving as the Prospect Generation and Field Studies Manager at Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO), he leads multidisciplinary geoscience teams in generating high-quality exploration prospects and optimizing field development strategies. His career spans across regional and asset-level geological evaluations, technical instruction, and extensive contributions to both national and international geological forums.

Profile

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Education

Mr. Moawad holds a Master of Science degree in Geology, awarded for his research on high-resolution sequence stratigraphy to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Abu Roash “E” Member in Egypt’s Western Desert. He is currently pursuing his PhD, with research focused on the impact of extensional tectonics on Miocene carbonate hydrocarbon plays in the Southern Gulf of Suez Rift. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in geology from Ain Shams University, where he graduated with honors in 2001. His academic background is deeply rooted in sedimentological and stratigraphic analysis, which forms the foundation of his research and applied geological work.

Professional Experience

Mr. Moawad began his professional career in 2002 with GUPCO, where he worked in sedimentology and stratigraphy, building detailed geological models and conducting outcrop studies across Egypt. He was seconded to BP as a regional geologist, leading Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Paleozoic basin studies across North Africa, constructing gross depositional environment and isopach maps critical to exploration decisions. From 2009 to 2019, he served as Senior Geologist at GUPCO, contributing to resource progression, exploration lead generation, and development planning. His work involved stratigraphic modeling, petrophysical evaluations, and successful drilling of exploration and development wells. Since 2019, he has led geological teams in sub-regional prospect evaluation, field studies, and exploration planning, overseeing drilling operations and technical coaching across the company.

Research Interests

Samy’s primary research interests lie in the integration of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy with depositional environment reconstruction and structural geology. His ongoing PhD research investigates the influence of syn-depositional tectonics on carbonate reservoir development. He has a strong focus on hydrocarbon play analysis, reservoir characterization, and the relationship between structural frameworks and stratigraphic architecture. His studies often incorporate core and thin section descriptions, biostratigraphic data, and reservoir quality mapping to understand the geological controls on petroleum systems. He is also interested in unconventional reservoir development, microbial enhanced oil recovery, and risk-based prospect evaluation methodologies.

Awards and Recognition

Mr. Moawad has earned recognition as a technical leader and educator in Egypt’s petroleum geology sector. He has been entrusted with leading technical seminars, field trips, and workshops for organizations such as SPE YP, AAPG, SEG, and various petroleum companies. His expertise has led him to design and deliver advanced training in stratigraphy, reservoir modeling, and subsurface mapping. Notably, he has led several successful exploration campaigns, contributing to hydrocarbon discoveries and optimizing resource development. His leadership in multi-reservoir redevelopment and risk-based prospect generation has earned commendation within industry circles.

Publications

Mr. Moawad has authored and co-authored several technical papers in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. His key publications include:

“Stratigraphy, facies analysis and depositional environments of the Upper Unit of Abu Roash ‘E’ member…” published in the Journal of African Earth Sciences (2018), cited 26 times.

“Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery: First Successful Pilot in Egypt and Middle East,” presented at SPE GOTECH (2019).

“Unlocking Unconventional Resources in GUPCO,” presented at ADIPEC (2019), cited 11 times.

“Thebes Appraisal Study: Integrated Approach,” presented at the GPC Workshop on Carbonate Reservoirs (2021).

“Eocene Unconventional Success Case Study in Gulf of Suez,” presented at GPC Brown Fields Workshop (2022).

“Microbial EOR: First Successful Pilot in Egypt and Middle East,” presented at ADIPEC (2022).

“Structural Control on Depositional Basin Architecture…” submitted to Marine and Petroleum Geology (under review for 2025).

Conclusion

Samy Kamal Moawad exemplifies technical leadership, geological insight, and commitment to advancing petroleum geology in Egypt and the wider region. His work bridges academic rigor with practical application, contributing to both the scientific community and the energy sector. Through decades of experience, innovative research, and strategic prospect evaluation, he has played a vital role in the development of Egypt’s hydrocarbon resources. His continued academic and field contributions position him as a valuable candidate for recognition in any prestigious geological or petroleum exploration award.