New facets of collaboration between Gubkin University and BP Russia

On March 20, 2017 the President of BP Russia David Campbell and Advisor for Social Investments Alyona Novikova visited Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University). The purpose of this visit was to discuss the cooperation between Gubkin University and BP in the fuel and energy sector, as well as acquaintance with the educational process organization peculiarities in general.

The issues discussed at the round table were the following: the organization of educational activities at Gubkin University, involvement of oil and gas companies in implementation of programs of highly qualified personnel training for the industry needs, as well as the integration of graduates into the international professional community.

New areas of cooperation between Gubkin University and BP were discussed during the meeting, such as implementing joint educational programs and international projects in the fuel and energy sector. Viktor Martynov noted that BP was one of the first companies interacting with Gubkin University. The company both assisted in equipping the new University Scientific and Technical Library and contributed to invitation of the world leading specialists for giving lectures to Gubkin University students. Besides, the company stimulates the research work of students, graduates and young educators by giving grants. In 2011 BP also launched a program to support energy and economics majoring students, including senior students of bachelor’s and specialist’s degrees, as well as masters and postgraduate students.

In addition, Viktor Martynov told the guests about priority programs of the university international activities development, as well as the results of the International Oil and Gas Majoring Students Forum "New Generation: Across the Universe" and invited David Campbell to take part in the forthcoming Forum. Mr Campbell stressed the uniqueness of format of the Forum and wished to participate in this event as a speaker.

At the end of the meeting, the rector handed the "Gubkin University Golden Partner" award to David Campbell.

After the official part David Campbell and Alyona Novikova visited the Drilling Department, where they observed laboratories, classrooms, automated workplaces, and also talked with lecturers and students. Head of the Oil and Gas Wells Drilling Department Alexander Oganov introduced the new Offshore Drilling Center, equipped with the newest tools for the advanced drilling technologies demonstration.

Before the end of the meeting, the guests visited Offshore Petroleum Reservoir Engineering Department, where David Campbell told the master students about the importance of environmentally safe approach to the development of offshore fields.