Imperial reflects on 100 years of petroleum education

This year Imperial is celebrating 100 years of petroleum related research and education. The College's Department of Earth Science and Engineering is holding a celebratory conference that focuses on the future of petroleum geoscience and engineering, which has attracted industry leaders and academics from around the world. A special centenary dinner is also being held in the Natural History Museum to mark the milestone. The College is establishing the Petroleum Centenary Fund that will provide scholarships, bursaries and work placements in industry, giving undergraduates and postgraduates from across the globe the chance to study at Imperial. Professor Jan Cilliers, Head of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering, says: "Oil is vital to the world economy. It not only powers our ships, planes and cars, but is a key ingredient for making life saving pharmaceuticals, plastics and even fertilizers to help our crops to grow. Over the last 100 years Imperial students and academics have played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the industry and we are celebrating this milestone.