302: Why Integration Defines the IMAGE ’26 Technical Program

“We’re moving from isolated geoscience disciplines to integrated subsurface solutions. You’re seeing AI becoming an enabling technology rather than the story itself.” Adam R. Goss and Bunmi Elebiju explain why IMAGE ’26 is designed to reward people who look beyond their usual discipline. AI, uncertainty, regional geology, and emerging energy applications are woven through the program because the real value comes from seeing how different parts of geoscience connect to better decisions. This conversation helps attendees understand what to look for, how to navigate the program, and why the session you did not plan to attend may be the one that changes how you approach your work. Learn more about IMAGE '26 and register today at https://www.imageevent.org/. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Integration was a deliberate program decision: The committee avoided separate SEG, AAPG, and narrowly defined technology silos because today’s geoscientists must connect geology, geophysics, digital tools, uncertainty, finance, and business decisions. > AI has moved from demonstration to accountability: The important question at IMAGE ’26 is no longer whether AI can interpret seismic data, accelerate FWI, or pick wells, but where it improves decision quality, where poor data limits it, and where human expertise remains essential. > Attendees should organize IMAGE around a problem, not a job title: Following one technical objective across regions, disciplines, oral sessions, and posters can reveal ideas that would remain hidden inside a geology, geophysics, basin, or technology track. THIS EPISODE PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIRIDIEN As an industry leader in imaging distributed acoustic sensing data, Viridien brings proven expertise across 2D, 3D, and 4D projects by combining advanced algorithms and HPC. Delivering clearer images, faster interpretation, and deeper insight for oil & gas reservoir monitoring and carbon storage projects. Discover more at https://viridiengroup.com/DAS. ABOUT SEISMIC SOUNDOFF Seismic Soundoff showcases conversations addressing the challenges of energy, water, and climate. Produced by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and hosted by Andrew Geary of 51 features, these episodes celebrate and inspire the geophysicists of today and tomorrow. Three new episodes monthly. See the full archive at https://seg.org/resources/podcast/.