Dear SPE Aberdeen members, colleagues and friends,

Student Bursary Programme

This month sees one of the most enjoyable parts of my year. I joined SPE Aberdeen event sponsors, Student Development Committee members and members of the SPE Aberdeen Board to listen to presentations from the top ranked Student Bursary submissions.  It is a joy to see the innovation and creative problem solving these young people apply to some of the biggest issues facing our industry.

There was a time when we thought this day would not happen. Like all charities SPE Aberdeen’s income has been hit by the change is activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to look at reductions in all areas of expenditure. I would like to recognise all the members of the SPE Aberdeen Board and our contractors for their pragmatic and active approach to these challenges. At its core SPE Aberdeen is committed to the next generation of energy engineers and the Student Bursary Awards is a key part of that. With the Board’s support we have moved forward this academic year with a reduced budget but the same number of awards. We recognise that the process of assessment, interaction with industry leaders and acknowledgement is as valuable to the recipients as the cash value.

In total 19 students received awards. The students with five highest scores from their written submission were invited to present to a panel and a top award winner selected. Congratulations to all the finalists – Aaron Tung, Milena Zagulak, Emmanuel Eke and Yevgeniya Morrice and especially to top award winner Georgy Borisochev.

You will be hearing their presentations at events over the coming months.

Continuing Education Events

As I write the EuALF Artificial Lift Seminar is in progress with around 100 attendees. The format is digital delivery over 5 days with 2-3 hours of sessions each day. This format appears to work best for our attendees as we continue to learn about the new normal.

Next is our joint event with IMechE: “Hot and Cold – Assuring fit for purpose joints – Welded and Non-Welded Connections”. It is a fascinating area of innovation.

Offshore Achievement Awards

Nominations are open for all the award categories. If you know of a person, company or technology that deserves recognition please encourage them to apply or nominate them yourself.

Visit of SPE President Tom Blasingame 

Tom visited us virtually from COVID-19 free New Zealand twice in January. First to give his presentation and discuss the future of the SPE and the Energy Industry. He returned to attend our Board meeting which helped us understand how SPE Aberdeen’s journey compared to other SPE sections. We thank him for that insight.

Stay happy and healthy in 2021,

Kenny

Kenny McAllister

SPE Aberdeen Chair