The Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA) and the SEG Advanced Modeling Corp. (SEAM), a subsidiary of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to combine resources and jointly pursue research projects that will benefit their constituents, including the energy industry and public sectors.

Together, the groups will address some of the greatest challenges facing the U.S. oil and gas industry. Projects of mutual interest might include life of field subsurface simulation, or the modeling of unconventional resources, CO2 sequestration, groundwater, or gas storage. Both parties have strong track records for managing research that focuses on meeting the challenges to the energy industry. The MOU provides them with a platform to pursue opportunities jointly.

“We already have a solid relationship with SEAM and this provides us with a great opportunity to pursue critical research,” RPSEA President Tom Williams said. “RPSEA’s combination of oil and gas producers, service companies and research universities – coupled with SEAM’s members, technology, and modeling capabilities – create a remarkable combination of resources that can be applied to complex research resulting in valuable insights and solutions to some of our biggest challenges.”

SEAM Chairman Dr. Leon Thomsen added “This MOU builds on recent project successes and will create a platform for both organizations to access broader stakeholder participation going forward. We believe this more pervasive engagement will drive better research supported by more powerful and realistic models.”

Other elements of the MOU include:

  • Reciprocal observation status on subcommittees;
  • An annual steering committee meeting comprised of each organization’s executive committee members;
  • Reciprocal participation in meetings, workshops and events;
  • Joint publicizing of joint projects; and
  • Joint delivery of workshops and forums.