2026-11-09
International Recognition for Soran University: University Alumni Lead a Historic Milestone for Kurdistan’s Energy Sector in Houston, USA
In a historic milestone for the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Kurdistan Region-Iraq Section has been honoured with the 2026 SPE Presidential Award. The award was presented during the Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (SPE ATCE), held on October 21–23, 2026, in Houston, Texas, USA, with the participation of leading figures and professionals from the global energy industry.
This prestigious award is presented by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the world's largest professional organization for the energy industry. The significance of this achievement lies in the fact that the SPE Kurdistan Region Section outperformed active sections globally, emerging as one of only six sections worldwide to receive the Presidential Award in 2026. Furthermore, it became the sole recipient of this award across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reflecting the section’s pioneering standing at both regional and international levels.
This historic success was led by two distinguished alumni of the Petroleum Engineering Department: Raboon Redar Dizayee, Chairman of the SPE Kurdistan Region, and Saeed Abdulaziz Masifi, Membership Chair, who officially represented the Kurdistan Region-Iraq at this international event.
The active participation and leadership of Soran University graduates in international organizations and conferences reflect the university's influential standing in developing human capital and guiding future generations toward excellence. This global showcase is a testament to the impactful role of our university's graduates in shaping the future of the energy industry, serving as a profound source of pride for both Soran University and the energy sector of the Kurdistan Region.