Head of the Department of Geophysics at Chong Qing University of Science and Technology, China
Fuqiang Lai is a distinguished professor and master’s supervisor in the field of Geophysical Logging and Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoir Evaluation. Currently serving as the Director of the Geophysics Department and Party Branch Secretary at the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, he also leads the Exploration Technology and Engineering program. With a doctoral degree in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering from China University of Petroleum (East China), Professor Lai is a visiting scholar at the Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. Over the years, he has made significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence with logging data interpretation and has developed novel methods for reservoir characterization.
Profile
Scopus
EDUCATION
Professor Lai earned his bachelor’s degree in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering from the University of Petroleum (East China) in 2004. He proceeded to complete his master’s in Geophysical Exploration and Information Technology at the same university in 2007 and his doctoral degree in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering in 2011. From 2009 to 2010, he engaged in a joint doctoral training program at the Delft University of Technology in Applied Geology, further enriching his international academic perspective.
EXPERIENCE
Since 2011, Professor Lai has served in various academic and administrative roles at the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. His career progressed from Lecturer to Associate Professor and later to Full Professor in 2019. He has successively held leadership positions such as Deputy Director and Director of the Institute of Petroleum Geology, Vice Director of the Department of Earth Sciences, and has guided numerous graduate students through both research and innovation projects. He has also led or participated in over 30 significant teaching and scientific research projects at national, provincial, and ministerial levels.
RESEARCH INTEREST
His primary research areas include the evaluation of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs such as shale oil/gas and tight sandstone gas; the interpretation of special logging methods like electrical imaging and NMR; AI-driven techniques and software development for geophysical logging; and the digital modeling of rock cores and boreholes. He applies deep learning and spectral analysis techniques to enhance the precision of reservoir evaluation, fracture detection, and brittleness modeling, bridging the gap between geological theory and practical engineering applications.
AWARD
Professor Lai has been the recipient of multiple prestigious honors. His technical achievements have earned him the Third Prize in Science and Technology Progress from Chongqing (2023), the Second Prize from the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (2021), and multiple teaching awards including the Special Prize and First Prize from the China Petroleum Education Association (2024). He has also been recognized as an Excellent Communist Party Member and Top Ten Young Teacher at Chongqing University of Science and Technology, underscoring his commitment to both research excellence and academic mentorship.
PUBLICATION
Among his prolific publication record of over 60 academic papers, the following seven are particularly noteworthy:
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Lai, F. et al. (2024). Characterization and Analysis of the Main Factors of Brittleness of Shale Oil Reservoirs, Minerals, cited by 7 articles.
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Lai, F. et al. (2024). Fractures and Holes in Core Images via Deep Learning, Frontiers in Earth Science, cited by 3 articles.
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Lai, F. et al. (2024). Composite Water Saturation Model for Shale Oil Reservoirs, Geological Journal, cited by 4 articles.
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Liu, Y., Lai, F.* et al. (2023). Poisson’s Ratio in Deep Shale Gas, Petrophysics, cited by 6 articles.
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Liu, Y., Lai, F.* et al. (2023). Brittleness of Continental Shales, Minerals, cited by 5 articles.
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Lai, F., et al. (2022). Pore Characteristics in Marine Shale Gas Reservoirs, Interpretation, cited by 8 articles.
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Lai, F., et al. (2021). Pore Throat Structure of Shale Oil in Saline Lakes, Energies, cited by 9 articles.
CONCLUSION
Prof. Fuqiang Lai exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher with outstanding achievements in scientific innovation, interdisciplinary application, and higher education. His consistent contribution to geological science, integration of AI with reservoir engineering, and influence on student development make him a highly deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His profile reflects not just research excellence but also a commitment to societal and educational advancement in the energy sector.