Connecting innovators across the energy value chain to turn bold research ideas into practical technologies for a lower-carbon, more resilient future.
The R&D Technical Section (RDTS) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers brings together members who are passionate about advancing research, technology development, and innovation across upstream oil and gas and the broader energy system.
Our community connects subject-matter experts from operators, service companies, start-ups, academia, and research organizations. Together, we explore emerging technologies, share lessons learned, and help shape the next generation of energy solutions—spanning subsurface, production, digital, decarbonization, and new energy domains.
*Approximate recent membership based on SPE statistics.
RDTS cultivates an open, cross-disciplinary environment where SPE members can explore emerging research and development topics, test new ideas, and accelerate technology deployment for the upstream and evolving energy landscape.
We are committed to:
RDTS delivers this mission through a mix of in-person and virtual offerings:
The RDTS Grand Challenges framework defines the strategic R&D themes that will shape the oil and gas industry—and its role in the energy transition—over the next decade and beyond.
First published in the Journal of Petroleum Technology in 2011 and refreshed through a dedicated SPE workshop and article series in 2023, the Grand Challenges guide our programming, collaborations, and advocacy.
RDTS is one of SPE’s largest and most diverse technical sections, with membership spanning all major oil and gas regions and an increasing footprint in emerging energy hubs. Our members work in:
RDTS frequently collaborates with other SPE Technical Sections—including Data Science and Engineering Analytics, Well Integrity, Flow Measurement, CCUS, and Sustainability—to ensure that complex problems are tackled from multiple angles.
RDTS continues to “make virtual work” with a high-tempo calendar of webinars and written content, co-hosted with regional sections and sister technical sections.
Covering topics such as AI & deep learning in production forecasting, quantum computing for oil and gas, digital twins, neutrally buoyant proppants, produced water as a resource, and more.
A series of five R&D-focused articles throughout 2025 explore Grand Challenge themes, case studies, and cross-disciplinary R&D success stories.
Co-branded events with Gulf Coast Section, DSEATS, DSATS, AMTS, HYFTS and others expand the reach of RDTS content and bring in new perspectives.
Whether you are an experienced researcher, a technology developer, a start-up founder, or a student curious about R&D, there is a place for you in RDTS.
To learn more or get involved, connect with us on SPE Connect, follow our updates, or reach out to the RDTS leadership team.
Building on the momentum from 2025, RDTS is planning several new offerings for 2026 that deepen our impact across digital, materials, and entrepreneurship themes.
Alongside these new initiatives, RDTS will continue its bi-weekly webinar cadence, opportunistic JPT articles, and collaborations with other technical sections—keeping our community connected and informed, wherever you are in the world.
Jeffrey R. Bailey
Chairperson, Research & Development Technical Section
Jeff and the RDTS Board (2025–2028) work closely with SPE leadership, including 2026 SPE President Prof. Jennifer Miskimins, to ensure that R&D remains at the heart of our industry’s journey through conventional technology development as well as newer technologies for the energy transition.
For a full list of RDTS Board members and program leads, please visit the Section Officers page.
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