Career Paths for the 21st Century Geoscientist - Petroleum Industry Trends, Technologies and Challenges

Demand for petroleum will continue into the late 21st century, and security of energy supply will continue to be critical for global stability. Research demonstrates that there is still a robust resource base of both conventional and non-conventional geo-fuels, and demand will continue to drive the exploration and development of these resources. As always, geoscience skills will be critical to delivery of these products.

The 21st Century geoscientist will have a strong working knowledge of first principles, as well as capability to develop and apply evolving technologies. The ability to integrate data, solve problems and respond to an evolving geopolitical landscape will also be vital. Implicit in securing these future fuels is the development and application of leading edge technologies required to image, characterize and recover these resources. In addition, industry will continue to enhance recovery from existing fields, minimize footprint and carbon.

To develop the geoscientists of the future, academia and industry are pursuing a multi-faceted approach of fostering geoscience education from primary through post-graduate schools. In addition, each of us has tremendous potential to influence, nurture and foster the next generations of geoscientists. Strategies for what we can do, as individuals, to engage and develop the 21stC geoscientist will be discussed during this session.