Questions? Email for help!

AAPG's Imperial Barrel Award Program (IBA) is an annual subsurface basin evaluation program for geoscience graduate students from universities around the world. University teams compete to win scholarship funds for their geoscience department and the international recognition that comes from competing in or winning the competition. The program is rigorous and contributes to AAPG's mission of promoting petroleum geoscience training and advancing the careers of geoscience students.

In this global educational program university teams analyze a dataset (geology, geophysics, land, production infrastructure, and other relevant materials) in the eight weeks prior to their respective Region competition. There are three disciplines to choose from: petroleum, geothermal, and carbon capture and sequestration. Each team delivers their results in a 25-minute presentation to a panel of industry experts. Students have the chance to use state-of-the-art technology on a real dataset, receive feedback from an industry panel of judges, and win cash awards for their school. Judges select winning teams based on technical quality, clarity and originality of the presentation.

The IBA is a hands-on opportunity for students to experience the creative process and the high-tech science that is the foundation of the energy industry today.