Mission
The Reservoir Geomechanics Research Group is committed to providing sustainable, ethical, timely, cost-effective research and testing services in a respectful community that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and creativity when addressing complex reservoir geomechanical engineering challenges in the rapidly-evolving energy sector.
Vision
As the global transition to clean energy and net-zero emissions marches on, geotechnical engineers will continue playing a significant role in mobilizing sustainable, ethical, timely, cost-effective solutions.
With fully integrated state-of-the-art GeoInnovation Environments (GIEs) and comprehensive Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) and the IDEA (Indigenisation, Decolonisation, and Equity/Diversity/Inclusivity in Action) initiative practices embedded in our research program, we prepare Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) to pursue top positions in geotechnical engineering by understanding of the complexity of risk management, from pore to scale, when it comes to subsurface behaviour.
Since its inception almost 2 decades ago, the Reservoir Geomechanics Research Group (known as [RG]2 or “arr-gee-squared”) has been responsive to shifting worldviews and global demands impacting the energy sector. Research carried out by [RG]2 provides vital training and research that is already helping to shape and inform public policy and best practices.
Actively incorporating an interdisciplinary approach to research has enabled us to prioritize safer applications for existing technologies and processes as well as test, monitor, and expedite new and emerging technologies, from project planning, deployment, and monitoring, to policy development and land stewardship.
Mandate
[RG]2 is a human-centred multidisciplinary research and training community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Responding and adapting to evolving trends and increasingly complex geotechnical engineering challenges in the energy sector has led to development of fully integrated GeoInnovation Environments (GIEs) equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge technology, and world-class modelling software. [RG]2 is committed to leading by example by prioritizing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and respecting emerging efforts towards understanding Decolonization and Indigenization both in Canada and abroad, as represented by our IDEA Plan which is bolstered by a robust Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) program.
This internal framework, developed by [RG]2 over the past 2 decades, is in alignment with principles outlined in the University of Alberta’s 2023 SHAPE Strategic Plan, providing valuable personal and professional tools that HQP can apply both during and beyond their tenure with [RG]2.
Policies and Practices
QHSE - Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment
The Reservoir Geomechanics Research Group established a comprehensive Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) Program in 2008.
[RG]2’s extensive QHSE program has earned the team a University of Alberta Insurance and Risk Assessment Gold Star Award and invitations to provide peer and student training on Field Activity Planning for International Travel.
Modeled to mirror ISO standards, our internal QHSE program is specifically tailored to meet the unique demands and ever-changing challenges we face in our GeoInnovation Environments. It meets or exceeds minimum compliance across the board. From day one, students, employees, visitors, and volunteers participate in the QHSE program which includes:
- Safety orientation for all team members, regardless of the type, location, or duration of their time working with [RG]2;
- Familiarization with rights and responsibilities as outlined by federal and provincial regulatory bodies, common terms and acronyms, required and recommended online training through the University of Alberta;
- A detailed laboratory tour;
- Individualized and ongoing training for individuals working in specific GIEs, during the development and design of custom equipment, research, and testing programs, and participation in special opportunities such as carrying out field work and participating in the Research Rumble; and
- Access to additional Certifications such as Crane Operation and Standard First Aid and CPR.
IDEA - Indigenisation, Decolonisation, and EDI in Action
[RG]2 has been an active champion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and has been making strides towards understanding what Decolonisation and Indigenisation of Academia and Research might look like. Informal practices were ratified with the introduction of a formal program in 2019, and since the ongoing efforts have been made to identify and improve existing deficiencies while expanding our proficiencies as new needs become apparent. We are making strides to move beyond awareness and acknowledgement to action, inspiring the acronym IDEA: Indigenisation, Decolonisation, and EDI in Action.
The IDEA Plan includes:
- Providing enhanced training and orientation for all students, volunteers, visitors and staff that includes awareness of common avenues where unconscious biases or cultural insensitivity may exist.
- Use of tools to review communications design and content in efforts to ensure use of non-gendered language and accessible fonts and colours;
- Organizing workshops on topics including how to write a personal EDI statement, how to recognize and address microaggression, and understanding ageism;
- Inviting diverse guests from other faculties such as Native Studies, Education, and Public Health and community members such as public service workers and creative professionals to explore and discuss how their work intersects with research carried out in our research group;
- Circulating books and articles others might like to read sharing invitations to local and campus events; and
- Building and maintaining a living glossary of terminology and resources for current team members.