Gubkin University at the XIV St. Petersburg International Gas Forum

From October 7 to 10, 2025, the XIV St. Petersburg International Gas Forum, one of the leading industry events in Russia and around the world, was held at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Center in St. Petersburg. Gubkin University leadership and representatives actively participated in the event, presenting innovative developments by researchers and students, delivering presentations at key sessions, and concluding strategic cooperation agreements. Participation in the forum demonstrated the university's leading role in developing the gas industry, training personnel, and implementing advanced technologies.

The XIV St. Petersburg International Gas Forum opened on October 7, 2025. The exhibition and a comprehensive business program kicked off on the first day. Representatives of Gubkin University immediately became involved in key events. Dmitry Danko, Deputy Head of the Department of Exploration Geophysics and Computer Systems, Associate Professor, and PhD in Engineering, presented a report at the roundtable discussion "Geological and Geophysical Methods – A Tool for Solving Complex Problems at Different Stages of Field Life. Import Substitution and Personnel." His presentation focused on the practical aspects of import substitution and specialist training.

Professor Firdaves Zhagfarov, Head of the Department of Gas Chemistry, presented a report at the panel discussion "Development of Gas and Petrochemical Production – a Priority for Russian Economic Development" and the IV I.P. Afanasyev Scientific and Practical Conference "Development of Oil and Gas Processing Facilities and Advanced Hydrocarbon Processing Technologies." The sessions addressed the role of gas chemistry in the oil and gas industry and innovative approaches to raw material processing.

In addition, the Open Science lecture hall hosted a presentation of the winning works from the "Enter IT 2.0" case championship. Anastasia Shelyakina, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Automation and Computer Engineering, participated in the "Obvodny Canal" team. Her contribution to the team project confirmed the high level of preparation of the university students and their readiness to develop solutions for the digitalization of the oil and gas sector.

On October 8, 2025, the session "Reliability and Efficiency: Experience in Using Monitoring Systems and Predictive Analytics for Oil and Gas Facilities" was held. The session was moderated by Alexey Lopatin, Head of the Department of Thermodynamics and Thermal Engines, Professor, and Doctor of Engineering. Dmitry Lyapichev, Associate Professor of the Department of Thermodynamics and Thermal Engines, also presented a paper. Gubkin University experts raised the need to improve the industry's regulatory framework: introducing unified standards governing automated monitoring methods, requirements for fuel and energy sector facility integrity management systems, and criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of innovative technologies.

A roundtable discussion on "Equipment and Technologies for Conducting Underwater Technical Work in the Development of Offshore Hydrocarbon Fields" was also held. Professor Alexander Dzyublo, Deputy Head of the Department of Offshore Oil and Gas Field Development for Research, Doctor of Geological and Mineral Sciences, spoke at the roundtable. The discussion focused on innovations in offshore resource development, where Gubkin University is a leader in scientific research.

The following participated in the IV I.P. Afanasyev Scientific and Practical Conference "Development of Oil and Gas Refining Facilities and Advanced Hydrocarbon Processing Technologies": Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Vladimir Koshelev, Doctor of Chemical Sciences; Associate Professor of the Department of Oil and Gas Industry Economics, Candidate of Economic Sciences Nadezhda Sheveleva; Natalia Popadko, Associate Professor of the Department of Strategic Management of the Fuel and Energy Complex and PhD in Engineering, presented their papers on the economic, strategic, and technological aspects of the industry's development.

Furthermore, students from the Department of Automated Control Systems presented their project in the "Open Science" lecture hall. A demonstration of innovations developed by Gubkin University students attracted the attention of professionals.

The Gubkin Digital Center for Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality demonstrated modern educational technologies developed at the university: a 3D simulator for routine maintenance on an offshore platform; a VR simulator for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle at oil and gas facilities; a hardware and software system for a remotely operated underwater vehicle; and the "Processes and Products of Gas Chemistry" information and analytical system for analyzing and planning gas chemical technologies.

The Department of Oil Field Development and Operation presented a model of a mobile oil and gas condensate stabilization unit—an innovative technology for low-temperature hydrocarbon stabilization using controlled cavitation fields. Video analytics solutions for improving industrial safety were also demonstrated, which is particularly relevant for modern conditions.

The Department of Oil and Gas Exploration presented the work of the Basin Modeling Center, which performs the full cycle of geological modeling—from core analysis to constructing geological field models. These technologies help improve the efficiency of hydrocarbon production. The Department of Automated Control Systems demonstrated a mobile robotic training platform for practicing computer vision algorithms and autonomous navigation systems.

On October 9, 2025, a meeting of the Scientific and Educational Interuniversity Council of PJSC Gazprom was held, attended by Professor Viktor Martynov, Rector of Gubkin University. A memorandum of cooperation was also signed at the forum between Gubkin University and JSC Gazstroyprome. The agreement envisages the development of scientific and educational collaboration, the implementation of joint projects, and the strengthening of human resources in the industry.

On October 10, 2025, the final day of the forum began with the 11th Historical Seminar, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, on the topic "The Contribution of the Oil and Gas Industries of Russia, Azerbaijan, and the Caucasus to Victory in the Great Patriotic War." Nikita Golunov, Vice-Rector for Continuing Professional Education, Associate Professor, and Doctor of Engineering, delivered a lecture entitled "Oil and Gas Milestones of Victory. Providing Fuel to the Armed Forces during the Great Patriotic War." In his speech, he noted the key role of the oil and gas industry in providing supplies to the front and rear, emphasizing the contribution of scientists and industry specialists to the common victory.

The day concluded with the closing ceremony of the SPIGF-2025 Youth Day, attended by Gubkin University students Maria Rakitina, Sabilla Temukaeva, Anastasia Degileva, Daniil Keller, and Elizaveta Penar. The Gubkin students presented their projects, exchanged experiences with professionals, and learned about cutting-edge initiatives in the oil and gas sector. The youth event served as a vibrant finale to the forum, confirming the continuity of generations in the industry.

The 14th St. Petersburg International Gas Forum highlighted the leading role of Gubkin University's educational and research projects in the development of the oil and gas industry. The university's participation in forum events contributed to expanding the university's network of partner companies and developing cooperation with key industry organizations.