Schlumberger Foundation Reaches Milestone with 1,000 Faculty for the Future Grants
The Schlumberger Foundation proudly announced a remarkable achievement: the Faculty for the Future program has provided its 1,000th grant to support outstanding women from low- and middle-income countries engaged in advanced study and research in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year's award ceremony, which took place in April 2026, honored the latest group of 163 grantees, comprising 54 newcomers and 109 renewal fellows. This push is not just a statistical landmark; it represents a solid commitment to building a diverse global community of researchers, educators, and innovators who apply scientific knowledge to address pressing issues in their home countries.
Since its inception in 2004, the Faculty for the Future program has continually aimed to enhance the quality of STEM education, research, and training, particularly in regions that lack sufficient resources for scientific advancement. Recent survey results from alumni of the fellowship indicate that 83% are currently employed in academia, where they are making substantial contributions through their research, teaching, and mentorship roles. Specifically, these fellows are reported to teach more than 185,000 students and supervise nearly 900 graduate students, underlining their profound impact.
The real-world applications of their work are significant and inspiring. In Mozambique, Dr. Deise Catamo and Dr. Helena Buque are pioneering advancements in neurological research and healthcare. Meanwhile, Dr. Shakardokht Jafari has founded TRUEinvivo®, a venture that delivers cutting-edge dosimetry solutions for radiotherapy, emphasizing the life-saving potential of research.
Moreover, Faculty for the Future fellows are also stepping up as influential voices in public policy. Approximately 59% of those surveyed stated they actively engage in policymaking, thereby shaping essential national and regional agendas. Notable examples include Dr. Happy Magoha, who chairs the Technical Committee of Food Scientists in Tanzania, and Dr. Gayatri Indah, a technical advisor on Indonesia's National Hazard Map Committee. Additionally, Mekdelawit Deribe and Rania Al-Zou'bi have focused their doctoral research on physical modeling to better manage critical river systems sustainably.
Entrepreneurship is another vital aspect of the fellows' contributions. About 20% of the surveyed group have ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing new businesses that foster innovation and socioeconomic growth. Dr. Sadiyo Siad, for instance, has created Hano Academy, Hano Technical University, and the Somali STEM Society, actively enhancing STEM education and vocational training across Somalia.
Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation, reflected on the origins of the Faculty for the Future program, emphasizing its role in bridging the gender disparities frequently found in STEM fields and addressing the urgent need for scientific expertise in regions that are under-resourced. "By empowering women researchers, we’re not only addressing gender imbalances but also enriching scientific inquiry with diverse perspectives, which is essential for fostering impactful, sustainable progress," she stated.
Looking ahead, the Schlumberger Foundation remains determined to extend the reach of the Faculty for the Future initiative, holding steadfast to the belief that supporting women in science is crucial for promoting equitable and sustainable development across the globe. The commitment to this noble cause will continue to shape the future of STEM education and research, inspiring generations of female scientists and leaders to come.
Since its inception in 2004, the Faculty for the Future program has continually aimed to enhance the quality of STEM education, research, and training, particularly in regions that lack sufficient resources for scientific advancement. Recent survey results from alumni of the fellowship indicate that 83% are currently employed in academia, where they are making substantial contributions through their research, teaching, and mentorship roles. Specifically, these fellows are reported to teach more than 185,000 students and supervise nearly 900 graduate students, underlining their profound impact.
The real-world applications of their work are significant and inspiring. In Mozambique, Dr. Deise Catamo and Dr. Helena Buque are pioneering advancements in neurological research and healthcare. Meanwhile, Dr. Shakardokht Jafari has founded TRUEinvivo®, a venture that delivers cutting-edge dosimetry solutions for radiotherapy, emphasizing the life-saving potential of research.
Moreover, Faculty for the Future fellows are also stepping up as influential voices in public policy. Approximately 59% of those surveyed stated they actively engage in policymaking, thereby shaping essential national and regional agendas. Notable examples include Dr. Happy Magoha, who chairs the Technical Committee of Food Scientists in Tanzania, and Dr. Gayatri Indah, a technical advisor on Indonesia's National Hazard Map Committee. Additionally, Mekdelawit Deribe and Rania Al-Zou'bi have focused their doctoral research on physical modeling to better manage critical river systems sustainably.
Entrepreneurship is another vital aspect of the fellows' contributions. About 20% of the surveyed group have ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing new businesses that foster innovation and socioeconomic growth. Dr. Sadiyo Siad, for instance, has created Hano Academy, Hano Technical University, and the Somali STEM Society, actively enhancing STEM education and vocational training across Somalia.
Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation, reflected on the origins of the Faculty for the Future program, emphasizing its role in bridging the gender disparities frequently found in STEM fields and addressing the urgent need for scientific expertise in regions that are under-resourced. "By empowering women researchers, we’re not only addressing gender imbalances but also enriching scientific inquiry with diverse perspectives, which is essential for fostering impactful, sustainable progress," she stated.
Looking ahead, the Schlumberger Foundation remains determined to extend the reach of the Faculty for the Future initiative, holding steadfast to the belief that supporting women in science is crucial for promoting equitable and sustainable development across the globe. The commitment to this noble cause will continue to shape the future of STEM education and research, inspiring generations of female scientists and leaders to come.
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