Kazakhstan

CdoGEO adapts to changing environment to complete 2025 with new successes

In 2025, CdoGEO (Center for Advanced Training) demonstrated its ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing external conditions. Work in the oil and gas sector—just as across the entire economy—required special flexibility from us, the adoption of modern approaches, and unwavering attention to the quality of our educational programs.

Under these conditions, CdoGEO confirmed its resilience. We strengthened our competencies and once again proved that we are a reliable partner for the oil and gas industry, capable of delivering results in any situation.

The results of 2025 speak for themselves. In 2025, 812 employees from oil and gas companies completed training—PJSC Rosneft (and subsidiaries), PJSC Gazprom (and subsidiaries), PJSC Surgutneftegaz, PJSC LUKOIL (and subsidiaries), PJSC Gazprom Neft, PJSC Tatneft, Tyumen Oil Research Center LLC, TNG-Group LLC, Bashneft-Dobycha LLC, Lukoil–West Siberia LLC, JSC Orenburgneft, RN Service, JSC Tyumenneftegaz, Gazpromneft-Terminal LLC, Sakhalin Energy LLC, ROSPAN INTERNATIONAL JSC, and RN BashNIPIneft.

Of these, 626 participants undertook advanced training, 91 completed professional retraining programs, 26 certificates were issued, and 96 Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies students obtained in-demand blue-collar qualifications: “Oil and Gas Production Operator, Grade 3 (for students)” and “Survey Technician for Topographic-Geodetic and Mine Surveying Works, Grade 3.”

CdoGEO developed 21 new programs in the most relevant areas:

  • Geological exploration: “Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits,” “Lithology and Mineralogy with Fundamentals of Crystallography and Petrography,” “Structural Geology and Geological Mapping,” “Geochemical Studies,” “Ground-Penetrating Radar Surveying.”

  • Design and modeling: “Integrated Design for Field Development Infrastructure,” “Laser Scanning for Engineering Surveys,” “3D Modeling Based on Laser Scanning Data.”

  • Metrology and standardization: “Determination of Reference Elevation,” “Control and Supervision in the Field of Metrological Assurance of Measurement Uniformity,” “Ensuring Measurement Uniformity. Organizing Metrological Support in Oil and Gas Production.”

  • Economics and management: “Economic Evaluation of Projects,” “Project Management for Field Development Infrastructure,” “KPI (Key Performance Indicators): a system of strategic management and performance control, and building an effective internal communications system in oil and gas production enterprises.”

  • Related areas: “Technosphere Safety and Occupational Health,” “General Course in Land Management. Forest Use. Cadastral Activities. Urban Planning Documentation.”

This year we achieved a record geographical reach, bringing together specialists from opposite corners of the planet in one learning process. During one training week, our courses simultaneously enrolled managers and specialists across a range of 16 time zones—from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russian, to Havana, Cuba.

CdoGEO successfully delivered a specialized professional development program for six specialists from Cuba’s state oil company, CUPET. Within the course "Non-Seismic Methods for Hydrocarbon Prospecting,” Cuban colleagues not only learned about advanced Russian technologies in geological exploration and oil refining, but also became familiar with the university’s modern laboratory facilities and those of partner enterprises.

In addition, specialists from Vietnam (Vietsovpetro JV), Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan successfully completed training. Visits by delegations from Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (Vietnam) and Yangtze University (China) reinforced intentions to develop joint educational programs and scientific exchanges.

Collaboration with Rosneft reached a new level: more than 300 specialists from key subsidiaries completed training in nine programs.

Another major event of the year was a strategic session for Gazprom.

Every year, Surgut State University sends students to our Center for retraining; this year, students and specialists from Saint Petersburg State University also completed advanced training.

In partnership with the Mendeleev All-Russian Research Institute for Flow Measurement (VNIIR), CdoGEO conducted specialized metrology courses for oil and gas processing enterprises. Training under the program “Ensuring Measurement Uniformity” was completed by specialists from more than 15 companies, including plants and production assets of Rosneft.

The Center also successfully delivered a special, individualized metrology course for specialists of Tatneft. The program “Control and Supervision in the Field of Metrological Assurance of Measurement Uniformity” was fully adapted to the company’s current tasks, combining in-depth theory with extensive practical training.

A key feature was the off-site format: participants visited leading KFU laboratories, the All-Russian Research Institute for Flow Measurement, and the R&D and production base of INKOMSYSTEM, where they studied the development and implementation of modern measurement systems.

CdoGEO not only trains specialists, but also actively helps shape the industry agenda.

In May 2025, representatives of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies took an active part in the Russian Oil and Gas Chemical Forum in Ufa. Head of CdoGEO Ildus Chukmarov presented its activities, emphasizing the key role of continuing education in preparing personnel who can adapt to market demands.

An important outcome of the forum were strengthened ties with industrial partners and a meeting with IGPT alumni holding leading positions in the industry’s companies (Bashneft-Dobycha LLC, PJSC Gazprom, PJSC Transneft, etc.). This clearly confirmed the high quality of training at KFU. Participation in such a significant industry event allowed the university to enhance its presence in the professional community and outline new vectors for cooperation.

A seminar that brought together industry representatives and patent attorneys from Russia, Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia became an important platform for discussing intellectual property protection when entering Middle Eastern markets. Deputy Director of IGPT Ildus Chukmarov presented the university’s potential, noting KFU’s 35th place in the QS world ranking for petroleum engineering and its annual registration of about 200 patents. He emphasized the institute’s readiness to cooperate with legal firms to protect innovations.

In July 2025, Pavel Marinychev, CEO of ALROSA, paid a working visit to the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies. Ildus Chukmarov noted the successful experience of delivering the professional development program “ArcGIS for Desktop” for the company’s employees in Mirny.

CdoGEO contributed to the development of IGPT's scientific and international activities. With the Center’s support, the conferences Carbonate Reservoirs 2025 and Chemical EOR Methods were held, bringing together industry leaders from Russia, China, and Vietnam.

Participation by CdoGEO leadership in professional competitions (“Geophysicist Skills”) and the ROSTKI Russia-China Forum helped attract new partners such as Vietsovpetro JV and strengthen academic ties with foreign universities.

Active work by CdoGEO in negotiations secured new contracts for the institute, including orders on increasing oil recovery (IOR) for Vietsovpetro JV, and expanded KFU’s international presence in Asian countries.

On November 17, an IGPT delegation presented scientific developments and the Center’s continuing education programs in the oil and gas sphere at an international symposium in Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Following the meetings, agreements were reached to expand cooperation; in particular, in May 2026, CdoGEO plans to welcome employees of Kim Chaek University of Technology.

The foundation of CdoGEO's success is its people.

We express our deep gratitude to leading external expert practitioners: Damir Gilaev, Georgy Mozgovoy, Artur Ishmiev, and Pavel Solovyov. Special appreciation goes to the faculty of IGPT: Boris Platov, Iosif Fishman, Alexander Kondakov, Eduard Ziganshin, Alexey Lobanov, Renat Zagretdinov, Aidar Zagretdinov, Ruslan Komarov, Irek Mukhamatdinov, Mikhail Varfolameev, and Vladislav Sudakov.

We also thank the Shtukenberg Geological Museum of Kazan Federal University, the History Museum, the Kazan Kremlin Museum Reserve, the Giuseppe Hotel, and the laboratories of IGPT for their cooperation.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank the leadership of KFU, IGPT, our partners, instructors, external experts, and clients for our fruitful joint work! Special words of gratitude go to everyone who worked and continues to work as part of CdoGEO, taking part in implementing our programs. The outgoing year was not easy, but the Center stood firm and formed a solid foundation for growth in 2026, which will be an anniversary year for CdoGEO—we will turn 15!”, concludes Ildus Chukmarov.

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KFU’s work represented at Tatarstan Petrochemical Forum 2025

Kazan Federal University presented projects and innovations at the Tatarstan Petrochemical Forum, which is held on 26 – 28 August with the participation of the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center. One of the largest events in the Russian oil and gas industry brings together representatives of companies, government agencies and the scientific community not only from Russia, but also from other countries – the Kingdom of Bahrain, Serbia, the Republic of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Mauritania, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The main event of the forum was the plenary session of the international scientific and practical conference Technological leadership and sustainable development: innovative approaches and solutions for the future of the oil and gas industry. Speaking at it, R. Minnikhanov emphasized that the petrochemical complex remains the basis of the Tatarstan economy. The event’s guests of honor were Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Mikhail Ivanov, Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Chairman of the Commission on Energy of the State Council of Russia Aisen Nikolaev, Chairman of the Council of the Union of Oil and Gas Industrialists of Russia Yury Shafranik, and others. The report Modern Technologies for Improving the Efficiency of Developing Giant Oil Fields at a Late Stage was presented at the plenary session by Vice-Rector for Earth Sciences Danis Nurgaliev. “KFU has developed the ResNeuro software package for localizing residual oil reserves at fields at a late stage of development. It is based on an innovative method for identifying areas of deposits with the lowest degree of hydrocarbon bio-degradation. Residual oil reserves are most likely to be found in these zones,” he said. According to the Vice-Rector, the software created using neural network technologies has already been tested at fields in Tatarstan. The Kazan Oil, Gas & Chemistry exhibition is held within the framework of the forum, demonstrating the latest technologies, equipment and various inventions to improve the efficiency of oil and gas production and processing. Rustam Minnikhanov visited Kazan University’s stand. Danis Nurgaliev introduced him to the university’s projects and developments. In particular, he mentioned discovery of new hydrocarbon deposits, digital tools for well logging developed jointly with small companies, and catalysts created by university scientists to enhance oil recovery. “Kazan University received a subsidy for the creation and development of an engineering center for heterogeneous catalysis and low-tonnage chemistry, which will operate on the basis of KFU’s Small Tonnage Chemical Technologies Park. It is also presented in the exhibition,” said Mikhail Varfolomeev, Director of the Technology Park. At the scientific and practical conference Raw Materials and Energy Support for the Growth of the Chemical Complex of the Russian Federation, Dr Varfolomeev presented his report The Role of Engineering Centers in the Development and Scaling of Chemical Products: an Example of Low-Tonnage Chemistry for the Oil and Gas and Related Industries. The main goal of the conference, which was attended by leading scientists and experts in the chemical and oil and gas industries, was to discuss current issues related to the development of the Strategy for the Development of the Chemical Industry of the Russian Federation until 2042. Kazan Federal University organized the round table Solving the Problems of the Oil and Gas Industry within the Framework of a World-Class Scientific Center. Its moderator and one of the speakers was Associate Professor Igor Ognev. He told the participants about the work on the study of radioactivity of the Volga region crystalline basement rocks. The report was called Radiogenic Heat of the Volga Region. “The concentration of radioactive elements in the crystalline basement is one of the most important factors determining the heat flow in oil and gas sedimentary basins,” the geologist said. “Kazan University has a unique collection of rocks belonging to the so-called crystalline basement of the Volga region. They were mined from significant (more than 1.5 kilometers) depths and are two to three billion years old. It is from such rocks that most of the earth’s crust in the east of the Russian Plate consists. Determining the concentration of radioactive isotopes of uranium, thorium and potassium in the crystalline basement allows us to shed light on the features of the geothermal structure of the Volga-Ural oil and gas basin.” Alexey Malakhov, Research Associate of the Laboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery, reported on the development of surfactants for increasing oil recovery in a wide range of reservoir conditions. The forum is a good platform for working with industrial partners, commented Ildus Chukmarov, Deputy Director for Continuing Education and Industrial Partnerships of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies. “Today, a cooperation agreement was signed between KFU and EFT GROUP, a national leader in geodetic equipment and software. The document was signed by Vice-Rector Nurgaliev and Deputy General Director of the company Alexey Raver,” he said. “On September 8, we will begin implementing our new continuing education program, Ground-penetrating radar survey. In addition, on August 29, a meeting will be held at KFU, where a cooperation agreement with the Russian Gas Society will be discussed.”  
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CdoGEO continues cooperation with Kazakhstan

From December 9 to 13, more than 30 specialists from Rosneft, TNNC LLC, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University and RNG JSC were trained in three areas: “Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits”, ‘Geological Modeling (Advanced Course)’ and ”Ensuring Uniformity of Measurements. Organization of metrological support in oil and gas production companies”. Rosneft employees took a course on metrology at the All-Russian State Institute of Flow Measurement. The training was highly appreciated by the trainees, who noted the informative programs and professionalism of teachers, expressing a desire to continue training. Employees of Karaganda Technical University (Kazakhstan) started the course on geology and exploration of mineral deposits, which is led by Boris Uspensky. The course will run until January 15, 2025. “Doctoral students from KSTU's Department of Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits have already passed a one-month internship at CdoGEO more than once. The program includes consultations on geochemical methods of hydrocarbon prospecting and exploration, geological modeling, oil and gas content forecasting, as well as work with university resources and laboratories (including organic geochemistry, computer tomography, etc.). Doctoral students also discuss material for future publications and reports. In addition to training, the program includes excursions in Kazan and the KFU Museum of History,” comments Dr Uspensky, Chair of the Department of Oil and Gas Geology. “Local technologies are far ahead of other Russian regions, including the level of laboratory equipment. Pity that we did not take core samples with us to be analyzed in the laboratories of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies - it would have been very useful. Boris Uspensky perfectly presents the material, which is very important for us. We look forward to further cooperation with IGPT,” says Yesen Yesirkeev, doctoral student of KSTU. Senior Lecturer Boris Platov notes, “During the training, the advanced course in geological modeling covered the interpretation of GIS and seismic data, as well as geological model building with an emphasis on applied geo-statistics and machine learning.” “CdoGEO is closing out the year at a striking pace, hosting five or more professional development programs each week. It is encouraging to note that CdoGEO continues to develop international cooperation: this week, staff from Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University began training in geology and mineral exploration. This course started this year and will be completed in 2025,” says Deputy Director of IGPT for Advanced Training and Industrial Partnerships, Head of CdoGEO Ildus Chukmarov.
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Karaganda graduates of CdoGEO at KFU will recommend additional professional education courses in Kazakhstan

On October 13th, at the Center for Advanced Training, Quality Management and Marketing (CdoGEO), training was conducted on the following 5-day qualification improvement programs: "Surveying", "Application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GLONASS/GPS) in Geodesy, Cartography, and Navigation", "Industrial Safety Requirements in Surveying Support for Mining Operations" and "Modern Methods of Geophysical Well Research". (далее…)
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Doctoral students from Kazakhstan are enhancing their qualifications at CdoGEO, Kazan Federal University

On October 3rd, employees of Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Akmaral Demeuova and Gulmadina Amangeldieva arrived in Kazan from Kazakhstan. Over the course of one month they will undergo a qualification enhancement internship in the field of "Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits" at the Center for Advanced Training, Quality Management, and Marketing (CdoGEO) of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies at Kazan Federal University. (далее…)
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The course on seismic interpretation of CdoGEO KFU helped participants from Kazakhstan gain a new perspective for solving their tasks

On September 29th, the training sessions for the programs "Ground Penetrating Radar Survey," "Seismic Interpretation", "Fundamentals of Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry", and "Geophysics: Seismic Survey" (in-person session) has been successfully completed at the Center for Advanced Training, Quality Management, and Marketing (CdoGEO) of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies of the Kazan Federal University. (далее…)
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South Oil LLP

KFU delegation visited the oil and gas company SOUTH OIL in Kazakhstan

On August 4, a delegation of Kazan Federal University paid a working visit to Shymkent (Republic of Kazakhstan), where they met with the management of the oil and gas company "SOUTH-OIL". The KFU delegation included Advisor to the Rector for Cooperation with the Countries of Central Asia Rashit Azimov and Vice-Rector for Petroleum Technologies, Environmental Management and Geosciences, Director of the Institute of Geology and Petroleum Technologies of Kazan Federal University Danis Nurgaliev. (далее…)
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CdoGEO successfully completed training in Metrology for specialists from Kazakhstan

On October 8, the training under the “Practical Application of Geostatistics in Building Geological Models”, “Remote Sensing of the Earth” and “Metrological support, measurements of the amount of oil, oil products, associated petroleum and natural gases, physical and chemical measurements: verification and calibration of in-flow moisture meters” advanced training programs was completed at the CdoGEO IGPT KFU. (далее…)
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