The event’s main itinerary fell on July 12th in Leninogorsk District of Tatarstan.

On behalf of Kazan University, Rector Ilshat Gafurov spoke about some of the latest achievements in front of President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and other headliners. In particular, large and small combustion tubes were shown; they are used to study in-situ combustion and steam-assisted gravity drainage. A number of Russian, Chinese and Middle Eastern oil powerhouses have expressed interest in this equipment. Essentially, it is the closest possible approximation of natural in-situ processes.

Another innovation presented by the Rheological and Thermochemical Research Lab is a virtual combustion tube. It shows how oil can be recovered through in-situ combustion. A prototype has been constructed, but the existing results have huge promise. It can also help in determining magnetic field fluctuations under thermal influence and thus provide further assistance in surveying.

Rector Gafurov emphasized that digitization is a priority for KFU, and that was proven by a number of visualization techniques demonstrated on a tablet PC.

The summit included a panel discussion for the first time in its history. Talks were held about technological advancements and personnel training.

The guests also visited the 5th Republican Field Contest of Young Geologists. 400 high schoolers from Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan have demonstrated their skills to be recognized the best of the best. Notably, as Dr. Gafurov said, 56 of the contest participants have become KFU students in the last 5 years. The results of the contest will be unveiled next week.