Feb 25, 2025

Data to Decisions: Bridging the Gap with ML Workshop.

The AI Technology Workshop, titled “Data to Decisions in the E&P – Bridging the Gap with Machine Learning,” was a remarkable four-day event hosted at KFUPM. Organized by the College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences (CPG) in collaboration with the College of Computing & Mathematics (CCM), the workshop brought together a distinguished group of industry leaders, researchers, and academics to explore the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the energy sector.

Dr. Muhammad Al-Saggaf, President of KFUPM, set the stage with an inspiring keynote, emphasizing that AI is the new literacy—an essential skill shaping industries, economies, and societies. He reinforced KFUPM’s vision of not only preparing students for future jobs but equipping them to create them, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary excellence.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, technical sessions, and hands-on workshops, all aimed at identifying key challenges in exploration and production (E&P) that could benefit from AI-driven solutions. The program featured thought-provoking panel sessions, a short course open to the public, and a competitive global hackathon where students tackled real-world industry challenges.

The event also included a campus tour and a visit to the KFUPM Joint Research Center with SDAIA (JRC-SDAIA), showcasing the university’s state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to pioneering research.

By the end of the workshop, a roadmap for AI/ML in E&P was outlined, paving the way for future research collaborations and industry partnerships. KFUPM’s leadership in this space continues to bridge academia and industry, ensuring that AI and machine learning drive innovation in the energy sector. The discussions, connections, and breakthroughs from this event are set to shape a more sustainable and technologically advanced future for exploration and production.