Through the Lens of a PaleoScanner: R&D Engineer Julien Razza on AI in PaleoScan™ and Life at Eliis
Through the Lens of a PaleoScanner is our new monthly series spotlighting team members who shape our talent and culture from all corners of the business.
We’re thrilled to kick off this new series with R&D Engineer, Julien Razza, as our very first guest!
Julien has been with Eliis since 2021, shaping ideas and bringing innovation to PaleoScan™. At our 2024 Get Together in Sommières, we sat down to chat about his journey, his latest projects, and what keeps him inspired. But the conversation didn’t stop there—it continued as he worked on his newest feature in PaleoScan™ 2025.0, AI GeoSeg.
Tell us a bit about yourself—where are you from, and what’s your background?
I come from Salon de Provence in the south of France. I began my academic journey with preparatory classes in math and physics at Lycée Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence, where I learned a disciplined approach to problem solving. Later, I earned an engineering degree in Geophysical Engineering at the École et Observatoire des Sciences de la Terre (EOST) in Strasbourg, where I also explored computer science. This diverse background has equipped me with practical tools to tackle real-world challenges in earth science.
What’s your role at Eliis, and what does your day-to-day work involve?
I work as an R&D Engineer at Eliis, developing practical tools for seismic interpretation in PaleoScan™. My work involves coding in C++ and Python while tackling challenges in data processing and feature recognition. I stay updated on AI innovations through technical articles, ensuring we incorporate new ideas into our software. I also collaborate with a dedicated team of C++ developers, geologists who test and validate our tools, as well as product analysts who structure our projects. This dynamic environment makes every day engaging and rewarding.
You were involved in developing a new functionality for the latest release—can you share a bit about that?
I led the development of AI GeoSeg, our new AI-powered segmentation tool in PaleoScan™ 2025.0. AI GeoSeg helps geoscientists quickly identify key features like salt bodies, channels, and intrusions in seismic data. Transitioning AI from a concept to a production-ready tool was a significant challenge, requiring us to integrate complex models and adapt them into a tangible, user-friendly solution. It was incredibly rewarding to see innovative ideas evolve into a practical and useful seismic interpretation tool, thanks to a true team effort blending research with solid engineering.
2024 Eliis Global Get Together
What excites you most about working in R&D at Eliis?
At Eliis, I’m excited by the blend of creativity and technology and the freedom to experiment. Every day is an opportunity to test new ideas and push the limits of what’s possible in geoscience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our innovative concepts quickly transform into tangible tools that are integrated into our commercial software. The collaborative spirit and continuous learning environment ensure that every challenge becomes a chance to grow and make a real impact.
How has your journey at Eliis been so far? Any standout moments?
My journey at Eliis has been a continuous learning experience. Starting as an intern and witnessing the growth of our R&D team has been truly inspiring. A standout moment was launching AI GeoSeg—seeing our hard work become a real tool was incredibly rewarding. I also fondly recall our get together at a castle in Sommières last year; the surreal setting and the amazing atmosphere made it a memorable day. These experiences, both professional and personal, make every day at Eliis challenging and fulfilling.
What’s something about your work that people might find surprising?
Many are surprised to learn that my work in seismic interpretation goes beyond traditional geology. I regularly explore advancements in fields like medical imaging, remote sensing, sports analytics, and robotics. This cross-disciplinary approach not only broadens my perspective but also brings fresh ideas to seismic analysis. While geoscience remains at the core of my role, drawing inspiration from various domains shows how innovations can come from unexpected places. This integration of diverse insights helps keep our approach innovative while staying grounded in practical challenges.
When you’re not working on innovating seismic interpretation, how do you like to spend your time?
When I'm not working on seismic interpretation, I enjoy the outdoors and challenging myself through triathlon training. I love the mix of running, biking, and swimming—it keeps me active, helps me clear my head, and provides a simple yet rewarding way to push my limits.
If you could describe Eliis in three words, what would they be?
Innovative, Collaborative, Impactful.