Based in Rueil-Malmaison

How did you get to IFP?

I started out at ONERA, the French Aerospace Lab, working on Ariane 5 and Airbus aerodynamics, in 1986. I was involved in wind-tunnel trials and developing numerical computing codes.

I moved to one of IFP’s industrial partner firms, Beicip-Franlab, to work with the teams developing numerical codes for reservoir simulation, in 1989. Beicip-Franlab and IFP had just kicked off Athos, a bold project that involved developing a new reservoir fluid flow simulator. I liked the fact that it was a new project, and the fact that I could apply my skills in a new field. After that, IFP asked me to take the helm on a European project that involved integrating production data into reservoir models in Pau, in 1994. I moved to Rueil-Malmaison in 1999, and I am in charge of a flow simulation and reservoir monitoring research project now.

Tell us about your job.

At this point, I am coordinating that flow simulation and reservoir monitoring research project. I am responsible for an upstream research project, and involved in mapping out long-term research and development programs in the field. I am also in charge of methodological projects we are working on with oil companies. One of them involves studying a deep offshore field with Total. Condor et Monitor, two JIPs (Joint Industry Projects), are another two projects in that scope.

Tell us about a normal day at work.

I spend a lot of my time supervising the technical aspects of the projects my teams are working on, and keeping projects on track throughout the year. My project-management work also involves monitoring the admin side and budget, and working with department and division heads to map out requirements and resources.

We also get IFP teams and the oil companies we are working with together for regular milestone updates.

What do you like about your job?

Reservoir simulation and monitoring cuts across board. So I’m in touch with a broad variety of people and talent inside and outside IFP. I also enjoy working on cutting-edge issues (and the fact that IFP is often in a strategic position in those areas). Lastly, working with partner oil companies keeps me focused on the tangible results that our research work strives to achieve.

What does it take to do your job?

You have to be thorough and very organized. Most of our projects are huge, and span a number of disciplines. But I think the main thing is to keep your eyes on the project’s long-term goals and scientific agenda.

Where do you want to go from here?

Simulation and monitoring opens out onto a vast research field, which I hope to develop further. Over the long term, new strategic priorities (sustainable development and optimizing reservoir production) are opening up exciting technical prospects and, no doubt, ushering in new challenges.

Further information on the Reservoir Engineering division