SPE News

The Spotlight on New Technology Awards recognize breakthrough innovations that demonstrate significant technical advancement and potential impact across the offshore energy value chain. The awards will be presented during OTC Asia, 31 March–2 April, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

President Ali will be joined by a delegation from Guyana, including the Hon. Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources.

Changgui Xu will receive the 2026 Individual Distinguished Award, and CNOOC will receive the 2026 Institutional Distinguished Award.

Wafik Beydoun will receive the 2026 Individual Distinguished Award, and Brava Energia will receive the 2026 Institutional Award.

The event to be held on 16 March in Galveston, Texas, will address important issues for the Drilling Systems Advancement Technical Section's forward planning with industry speakers and an interactive working session.

Head of Texas A&M University's Department of Petroleum Engineering and 2021 SPE President, Tom Blasingame, is one of 158 new members elected to the 2026 class of the National Academy of Engineering.

The newly named MTS brings together the full methane ecosystem, end to end—connecting technology, data, operations, and assurance across upstream, midstream, and beyond.

The Career Advancement Network held its 16th semiannual Energy Professionals Hiring Event at SPE’s 2025 Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, allowing participants to connect with employers, explore opportunities, and seek information about job opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.

SPE’s strength depends on engaged members, and serving on a committee is a meaningful way to contribute expertise, collaborate with peers, shape programs, and make a lasting impact on the Society and its future professionals. Members are encouraged to step forward, volunteer, and help shape SPE’s future.

This article is the sixth and final Q&A in a series from the SPE Research and Development Technical Section focusing on emerging energy technologies. In this final edition, Matthew T. Balhoff, SPE, of The University of Texas at Austin shares his views on the future of upstream education.