The IPTC Young Professional Achievement Award recognises exceptional young professionals who are passionate about their field of work, are dedicated to industry service and who have made major contributions to the energy industry, showcasing their role in advancing technology and achieving international recognition. This award highlights their leadership and engagement within the industry, as well as their creativity and innovation in developing new technologies and methods. Additionally, it honours their leadership in the industry, evident through their active participation with their professional societies and global energy organisations and events.
Submission Deadline: 17 October 2025
Evaluation Criteria
35 years or younger (on the first day of the event - 13 January 2026), Young Professional candidates who have shown the following:
- Excellence (papers, patents, etc.)
- Impact (actual implementation of ideas/concepts)
- Innovation (uniqueness of a new technology, process, methods science/knowledge)
- Leadership (industry outreach, support to diversity, mentoring, involvement in workshops, committees, talks, societies)
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Multiple awardees may be recognised.
How to Nominate
- Complete IPTC Nomination Form
- Submit CV/resume of the nominee
- Cover letter indicating reasons for nomination
- Up to three (3) supporting letters - from organisation leadership, immediate supervisor/manager and a peer belonging to a different organisation
- Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Evaluation Criteria
Significant Contributions to Upstream Technology (20%)
Nominee must have made substantial contributions or achievements in the field of E&P industry. These contributions can include advancements in knowledge, literature, equipment, tools, technical services, safety, environmental efforts, leadership, or service to governments, companies, and organisations.
Impact (20%)
Impact of the nominee's work on the upstream energy industry, including its potential to improve safety, environmental practices, technology, or the industry as a whole. Assessment that the nominee's contributions align with sustainable practices and have a positive impact on the environment. Evaluation will cover nominee's leadership in industry outreach, support for diversity, mentoring, and involvement in workshops, committees, talks, and societies.
Innovation (20%)
Innovative nature of the nominee's contributions, paying special attention to any groundbreaking inventions, unique designs, or novel methodologies they have developed. Innovation, in this context, refers to the introduction of new and improved solutions that significantly advance the industry. This includes creating entirely new technologies, improving existing processes, or applying current technologies in new and effective ways. Evaluation of how these innovations have pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the industry, setting new standards and driving progress.
Submission Deadline: 17 October 2025
2025 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
Sun Zhe
Senior Engineer/ Project Manager
CNOOC Research Institute
Fengyuan Zhang
Associate Professor
China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Braden Gilbert
VP of Business Development & Sales
Micro-Bac International
Nihal Darraj
CCS Researcher
Imperial College London
