Four petroleum data management students have been awarded scholarships funded by Common Data Access (CDA), a subsidiary of Oil & Gas UK which provides data management services to the UK oil and gas industry.
Wonuola Scott from Aberdeen and Nora Ribera from Argentina will study the Graduate Certificate course at Robert Gordon University while Patrick Kaczmarek from Canada and Jennifer Butler-Madden from Aberdeen will study the MSc course at the University of Aberdeen.
Data management is of strategic importance to industry as it looks to maximise economic recovery on the UK Continental Shelf. The availability of recognised academic qualifications in this discipline gives employers confidence they are recruiting individuals with the skills and proficiency in managing vital data assets.
Jennifer, who has worked in the oil and gas industry for 15 years, is planning a return to the sector after taking a career break.
Jennifer said: “The CDA scholarship is a fabulous opportunity. I have been out of the industry after starting a family, and the MSc Petroleum Data Management will help reignite my career. When I was awarded the scholarship I felt very privileged – it is an amazing feeling to know there are organisations willing to provide this kind of support to students.”
CDA, with the support of its member companies, has been instrumental in the creation of the award-winning Graduate Certificate course at Robert Gordon University, now in its third intake online, and the MSc course at the University of Aberdeen, welcoming its first intake of students both on campus and online this year.
Supporting the development of education in petroleum data management and providing opportunities to study the subject is at the heart of CDA’s work to professionalise the discipline.
Malcolm Fleming, Chief Executive of CDA, said:
“This year we have awarded four scholarships in total – two at each of Aberdeen’s universities. This marks significant further progress towards professionalising the discipline and provides a benchmark for professional development and recruitment. We’re delighted with the calibre of applicants from around the world and look forward to their progress in this rapidly advancing profession.
“The quality of almost all investment decisions taken by exploration and production companies depends on the availability of sufficient and reliable subsurface data. The role of data, and those experienced in assuring and enhancing its value plays an increasingly important role in improving exploration success. This is key to extending asset life, maximising oil and gas production and assuring the future of the sector.”
ENDS
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