IMAGE Conference: Geoscience community unites to shape the future of energy
Laurent Louis, geological consultant, Aramco Houston Research Center, presents during IMAGE 2025.
The annual International Meeting for Applied Geoscience & Energy (IMAGE), held August 25-28 in Houston, was a gathering of innovation and passion.
More than 7,800 participants came together under the theme “5 Years of Discovery & Innovation,” marking the fifth joint conference hosted by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), in conjunction with the Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM).
Innovating and thriving
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from AAPG President Brian Horn and SEG President John Eastwood, who emphasized the importance of the geosciences in a dynamic industry, while challenging participants to keep innovating and embracing new ways of thinking.
Subsequent sessions explored regional energy landscapes, with speakers presenting exploration philosophies, sharing career stories, and diving deeper into exciting global projects. Throughout the week, industry members, academics and students passionate about geoscience and energy came together to share knowledge, learn, and drive innovation.
"Conferences like IMAGE enable us to come together as a community, fostering collaboration and innovation,” said Aiman Bakhorji, director, Geophysical Imaging at Aramco. "Earth sciences are in high demand, and our collective expertise and ingenuity will continue to be integral for both traditional and new energy projects.”
An attendee listens to a presentation by Ahmed Alghuraybi, manager, EXPEC ARC.
Dynamic sessions and insightful dialogues
Pavilions dedicated to digitalization and carbon management, among other topics, filled the exhibition floor and encouraged collaborative dialogue. Aramco’s presence included a dynamic booth sponsored by the Exploration organization. Showcasing its vision through an engaging booth experience divided into three key zones, each dedicated to a key area of focus. The Operational Excellence Zone showcased technologies designated to enhance subsurface exploration. Starting with the Gas program activation, Aramco’s first underground storage project, along with three engaging videos on Geosteering, Live Earth Model technologies and an overview on the Core Lab Center. The Digital Solutions Zone highlighted how artificial intelligence and machine learning are helping transform operations. Featured technologies included Geological Neural Modeling, Quantum-Based Seismic, RCNET, and the RockLAB–CorXR experience. In the Energy Transition Zone, Aramco introduced its newly established Transition Minerals Department. This section also showcased several of Aramco’s related initiatives, including Minerals Exploration, the Hydrogen Value Chain, and CO₂ Direct Air Capture.
Aramco experts also delivered technical papers, presented posters and led sessions, highlighting the company’s dedication to technological innovation. This research helps address critical industry challenges, while helping ensure Aramco continues to provide reliable, affordable, and lower-carbon energy solutions to communities around the world.
Nan You, data scientist, Aramco Houston Research Center, engages attendees with a poster presentation at IMAGE 2025.
Women in geosciences
A sold-out audience attended the Aramco-sponsored AAPG Women’s Network Luncheon. Keynote speaker Kim Padeletti gave remarks on Generative AI’s Role in Next-Gen Subsurface Characterization. In addition to technology, she spoke about how empathy, communication, collaboration, and judgement will be needed to maneuver the evolving AI landscape.
A community pushing boundaries
IMAGE 2025 featured a technical program developed by more than 100 interdisciplinary and multigenerational global professionals with more than 1,100 technical presentations and panel sessions highlighting key energy challenges and opportunities.
Case studies showcased integrated geological and geophysical approaches, while professional development was offered through workshops, field trips, and short courses, encouraging meaningful conversations and partnerships.
The exhibition floor highlighted the latest advancements in subsurface exploration, with more than 260 companies displaying cutting-edge technologies, underscoring the industry's relentless pursuit of innovation.
Attendees participate in a poster presentation by Nouf AlSaad, geophysicist, Aramco.
A shared journey
As the conference drew to a close, IMAGE 2025 served as a celebration of the geoscience community’s push to innovate and collaborate. With the industry facing increasingly complex challenges, the conference offered a renewed sense of what’s possible when the community comes together to shape the future of applied geosciences and energy.
