Central University of Karnataka Registrar Prof. R.R. Biradar presents research paper at international conference in Italy

Prof. R.R. Biradar, Registrar of the Central University of Karnataka (CUK), presented a research paper titled ‘Economic Benefits of Microfossils in Oil Exploration in India: A Case Study of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’ at the Micropalaeontological Society Annual Meeting 2025, held at the University of Pisa, Italy, from November 5 to 8.

The conference, organised by the Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, brought together leading scientists and researchers from across the world to discuss advances in micropalaeontology.

Prof. Biradar’s study analysed the application and economic benefits of microfossils in petroleum, coal and climate studies, including nanoscience. It argued that microfossil analysis as an exploration tool can reduce the risk of drilling dry wells by up to 40%, thereby cutting overall oil exploration costs by nearly one-fourth.

Examining the financial performance of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the study observed that while the annual average expenditure per million metric ton (MMT) increased considerably between 2001 and 2024, the total quantity of oil explored showed a gradual decline.

The research recommended that exploration studies focusing on identifying regions rich in microfossil deposits be encouraged to facilitate cost-effective oil discovery. It also suggested that private sector participation in oil exploration and production should be expanded to address the growing energy demands.

Prof. Biradar also attended the nannofossil workshop organised as part of the conference on November 5.