SEG China highlights applied geophysics achievements and innovation in key regions.
(China) Geophysical technology innovation, international academic cooperation, and SEG’s commitment to its community members led the discussion topics during SEG President John Eastwood’s recent visit to meet with geoscience leaders, professionals, and scholars in China.
Eastwood met with various energy companies, research institutions, and renowned universities in Beijing, Zhuozhou, Chengdu, and Tianjin to engage and explore the latest achievements in applied geophysics and ways to expand opportunities for scholars, including through SEG membership and its academic platform.
Convening with SEG China leaders from 27 February to 3 March 2025, Eastwood along with Dr. Xuri Huang, executive director, Flora Wu, general manager, and Xuling Lv, event manager, attended meetings at several key sites to learn more about the future of geophysical technologies and the significant role of Chinese enterprises in international geoscience.
On day one, the SEG delegation met with BGP, one of the world’s leading seismic survey and advanced data solutions providers to the energy industry with operations in more than 80 countries, to commend BGP Executive Director Wenjun Ren for the company’s support and trust in SEG China. Additionally, SEG President Eastwood congratulated BGP Chief Geologist Yalin Li for receiving the 2024 SEG Reginald Fessenden Award recognizing his outstanding technical contribution to exploration geophysics. Credited with 51 patents and responsible for 12 oil reservoir discoveries and 16 gas reservoir discoveries, Li was awarded for his remarkable innovation in land applications with complex near-surface conditions around the world.
On 28 February, the delegation visited the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute (PEPRIS) to meet with Academician Xusheng Guo, the Dean of PEPRIS, and Sinopec leading experts and thanked them for their long-standing support of SEG. The exchange focused on engaging more Chinese geoscientists in the SEG international academic community and highlighting China’s successes in energy exploration and development as well as Chinese geophysicists’ contributions to science and technology. Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS) to express gratitude and meet with faculty and the SEG student chapter. Eastwood emphasized that SEG’s international academic platform can help advance knowledge and awareness of the institute’s century-long history and significant contributions to several generations of Chinese geoscientists so that the global community can gain a better understanding of its legacy in geophysical science and technology.
On 1 March, SEG President Eastwood visited Southwest Petroleum University, which has trained more than 100,000 professionals in China’s energy sector, to thank them for supporting SEG and the exploration industry. While meeting with students, he emphasized that as applied geophysicists in the exploration field, it is crucial that they approach resource and energy exploration with a sense of scientific responsibility, providing sustainable, reliable, and affordable solutions for society. He encouraged students to participate in SEG competitions and academic activities to enhance their technical skills and seize more opportunities for professional growth and development on SEG’s international platform.
Eastwood also gave a keynote presentation to the SEG student chapter of the College of Geophysics and Chengdu University of Technology, which supports numerous SEG activities in China. Students were encouraged to proactively showcase their latest research findings and perspectives, which add value to the geoscience community worldwide. Additionally, the delegation had in-depth discussions with Professor Xuben Wang, Chairman of the Sichuan Geophysical Society, and Eastwood thanked Professor Wang for his enduring support and trust in SEG China.
On 2 March, SEG leadership also met with the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), where the cohort had an in-depth exchange with university leaders and faculty. Eastwood thanked UESTC for its support and conveyed his admiration for the university’s achievements in disciplines such as machine learning, computer science, applied mathematics, and interdisciplinary fields which will lead to more innovative collaborations. After the meeting, he connected with the SEG student chapter at UESTC and advocated that the world needs their innovative solutions to access more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy and resources.
The final day included visits to the Geophysical Exploration Department of China Oilfield Services Limited, China University of Mining and Technology – Beijing (CUMTB), and the State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources, where the SEG delegation, including SEG Foundation Board Director and former Vice President Academician Jie Zhang, met with CUMTB President Prof. Bo Liu and Laboratory leader Academician Suping Peng for in-depth discussions on the industry’s progress in enhancing safety, mitigating disaster risks, and restoring the ecological environment through applied geophysical methods.
Eastwood’s global visit strengthens international ties with leading companies and universities, promotes recognition of China’s applied geophysical advancements, and inspires the global geoscience community to continue investing in the future leaders of exploration geophysicists.
