On 17 April this year, Gubkin University celebrated its 90th anniversary. Since its inception, the university has spearheaded oil and gas research and nurtured skilled oilfield leaders. More than 15 large universities and research institutes have been established on the model of Gubkin. In Russia, the university is affectionately known as Kerosinka, meaning "kerosene stove."
Through this article, we will explore Gubkin through the eyes of a student. A rich history, thriving international partnerships, a vibrant SPE student chapter, unique oil- and gas-themed student activities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and accomplished alumni are what makes Gubkin a leader in its field.
A Visionary Geologist Founds a Top- Hole University
Gubkin University was founded in 1930 by Ivan Gubkin, an eminent scientist, academician, and geologist. He is widely considered to be the founder of petroleum geology. His book The Study of Oil developed the theory on the origins of oil and laid out the principles of oil geology. He was also a key facilitator of advanced petroleum education in Russia. (More information on the history of Gubkin University can be found here.
A Global Industry Creates the Need for a Global Approach to Education
A strategic objective of Gubkin University is cooperation at the international level. The university is focused on accelerating research and developmental activities, and expanding academic partnerships and exchange programs with different organizations and companies around the world.
Currently, Gubkin University offers Joint Master’s Program and a Summer Exchange School Program with several leading universities such as IFP School (France), the University of Stavanger (Norway), Heriot-Watt University (UK), Texas A&M University (US), the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (Germany), among others. Postgraduate students and researchers participate in research exchange programs such as the Ivan Gubkin Program jointly sponsored with DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service.
When I joined the Gubkin University SPE Student Chapter, I was amazed at how many foreign students, specialists, and professors knew about our university. I learned the reason later: Gubkin University is an international platform for scientific and social cooperation. The University’s forums, conferences, and joint educational programs gather people from all over the world for sharing their experiences and for creating joint scientific works.” -Elizaveta Butenko, Vice-President, Gubkin University SPE Student Chapter
SPE Student Chapter: A Catalyst for Enhancing International Cooperation
The SPE Student Chapter of Gubkin University was established in 2003 and collaborates with other student chapters around the world. It also organizes various conferences, forums, intellectual games, and coordinates with international delegates on behalf of the university.
“Gubkin University offers a huge number of international programs and trainings with leading oil and gas universities and companies from all over the world. For me, Gubkin University became not only a platform for learning, but also introduced me to the SPE Student Chapter that improved my personal and leadership qualities, which will undoubtedly help me in the future.” -Alina Nasrullaeva, President of Gubkin University SPE Student Chapter
Gubkin University encourages students to participate in international scientific and technical activities of SPE and provides access to OnePetro, a unique online library of technical literature for the oil and gas industry.
Each Gubkin student has plenty of ways to improve himself or herself within student organizations where everyone can find a suitable place. The Gubkin University SPE Student Chapter became such a place for me and gave me a chance to head its major event—the Oil&Gas Horizons Congress—an opportunity I could never have dreamed of before!” - Michael Ivlev, Chief Organizer of 11th International Youth Scientific and Practical Congress “Oil and Gas Horizons
The Gubkin University SPE Student Chapter has established itself as one of the best globally. Multiple international SPE awards attest to this: Outstanding Chapter Award in 2012, 2014, 2018, and Gold Standard Award in 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019. The chapter has also had the privilege of hosting the current and former SPE presidents.
“Gubkin University is one of my favorite schools in the world. I think you have set a great example as a leading university in your field. Unbelievable, what Gubkin students do.” -Darcy Spady, 2018 SPE President
Rich Student Life With a Unique Oil and Gas Flavor
Life at Gubkin University is exciting. Students participate in various activities, including conferences, competitions, social events, sports tournaments, and study tours both in Russia and abroad.
Three popular student activities are modeled around prominent oil and gas themes.
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Mister Gas Contest. The contest is organized in conjunction with the MOSGAZ company. Participants are judged on their physical endurance through competitions like overcoming a challenging obstacle course and hitting targets with a small-bore rifle as well as their presentation skills and ballroom etiquette. Some of the jury are drawn from leading oil and gas companies.
Miss University−Oil Queen Contest. The contest is held on the eve of the International Women’s Day. Participants are judged based on their singing skills, dancing skills, and general knowledge. Several members of the jury are drawn from leading oil and gas companies. Multiple winners are chosen via audience voting. Over 35,000 viewers watched the live broadcast in 2020.
University Cheerleading Team–Barrel. Gubkin University’s cheerleading and dance team is called the “Barrel.” It is widely considered to be one of the best teams in Russia. Team Barrel won the Open European Championship held in Paris in 2016. The team frequently uses props associated with the oil and gas industry.
An important day in the life of Gubkin students is the “Gubkin Day.” On Gubkin Day a gala concert is held at an important building called the Palace of Culture “Gubkinets." A faculty parade, creative performances, and demonstrations of national traditions mark Gubkin University’s birthday on 17 April.
Distinctive Buildings Charm Visitors to the University
Two among many distinctive Gubkin University buildings are an extensive museum complex and a long photo gallery. The museum boasts a collection of 3,000 exhibits and many oil and gas equipment models. The Portrait Gallery, inaugurated on the university’s 75th anniversary, features over 250 portraits of distinguished faculty and alumni.
The University Boasts Cutting-Edge Training Facilities
The university applies an interdisciplinary approach to training. Innovative, interactive full-scale simulators and systems such as Virtual Field, Virtual Oil and Gas Transportation System, Virtual Oil Refinery etc., are made available to students to provide them with oilfield experience within the safety of the university’s four walls.
In cooperation with Rosneft and Gazprom, Russia NOCs, the university implements long-term projects to create comprehensive multi-level educational technology and infrastructure for training specialists in the development of the Arctic and Eastern Siberian reserves and for transportation of hydrocarbon products to the Asia Pacific region.
Former SPE President Sami Al-Nuaim had this to say about Gubkin’s educational infrastructure:
"I have repeatedly heard from my predecessors that Gubkin University is one of the best universities in the world, and I must visit it. Now I can say that I am delighted with the infrastructure, laboratory facilities, technical equipment of classrooms, and management of Gubkin University!" - Sami Al-Nuaim, 2019 SPE President, visiting Gubkin University in 2019.
Several Gubkinets Have Made Their Alma Matter Proud
Throughout its 90-year history, several Gubkinets have become notable in various fields, both in the oil and gas industry and otherwise.
Vasily Podshibyakin was a Soviet geologist. He contributed to the discovery of several gas fields including “Urengoy,” the world's second largest natural gas field.
Edward Frankel is a professor of mathematics at the University of California, Berkley and is the author of the bestselling book “Love and Math.”
Aliya Mustafina is a Russian artistic gymnast who is a seven-time Olympic medalist and the 2012 & 2016 Olympic uneven bars champion.