On 10 February 2026, the Petroleum and Mining Engineering Department at Tishk International University welcomed the President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Mr. Olivier Houzé, during his official visit to Iraq. The visit formed part of the SPE leadership tour to the Kurdistan Region and highlighted the active role of the TIU SPE Student Chapter.
Mr. Houzé was accompanied by Mr. Talal Al-Awlaqi, Chairman of the SPE Oman Section, as well as representatives from the SPE Kurdistan Region Section. Their visit reflected international appreciation for the performance and engagement of the TIU SPE Student Chapter within the regional SPE community.
Mr. Omar Azad, Faculty Advisor of the TIU SPE Student Chapter, welcomed the delegation at the department. Shortly afterward, Professor Dr. Fadhil Ali, Head of the Petroleum and Mining Engineering Department, and Professor Dr. Bayan Salim, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, officially received the guests. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange insights and discuss the current status of the oil and gas industry in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
During the discussion, both sides emphasized the importance of academic–industry collaboration and student professional development. Moreover, the delegation expressed appreciation for the department’s continuous support of SPE activities and student leadership initiatives.
Following the meeting, the guests toured the department’s laboratories, classrooms, and educational facilities. The tour offered a comprehensive overview of the department’s academic environment and technical capabilities. In addition, the visit strengthened professional ties between TIU and international SPE leadership.
The visit concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to future cooperation. Therefore, this event further enhanced the visibility of Tishk International University within the global petroleum engineering community.
