Schlumberger Foundation Celebrates Financing 1,000 Women in STEM Through Faculty for the Future Program

Celebrating a Milestone: 1,000 Women Empowered through Faculty for the Future

In a notable achievement for gender equity in science and technology, the Schlumberger Foundation has announced the awarding of its 1,000th scholarship through its flagship initiative, Faculty for the Future. Established in 2004, the program aims to promote women’s participation in scientific fields critical for global development.

This year, the program funded 163 scholarships for talented women hailing from low- and middle-income countries pursuing doctoral and postdoctoral studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With this recent batch of scholars, the Faculty for the Future community is now larger than ever, comprising 54 newcomers and 109 returning scholars, all working towards addressing pivotal scientific challenges back in their home countries.

Driving Impact in STEM Fields

Since its inception, Faculty for the Future has played a transformative role in enhancing scientific research, education, and capacity building in STEM disciplines where contributions are most urgently needed. According to a recent survey conducted among the scholars, a remarkable 83% are engaged in academia, actively contributing through research, teaching, and mentoring a staggering 185,000 students while supervising nearly 900 graduate fellows.

One illustrative example includes Dr. Deise Catamo and Dr. Helena Buque from Mozambique, who are revolutionizing neurology research and care in their homeland. Their leadership exemplifies how those supported by the Faculty for the Future program are making tangible differences in healthcare across regions.

Another inspiring story comes from Dr. Shakardokht Jafari, the founder of TRUEinvivo®, who has turned her research into life-saving technology that offers high-precision dosimetry solutions for radiation therapy patients.

Influencing Policy and Community Development

Additionally, nearly 59% of surveyed scholars report active involvement in public policy formulation, contributing to national and regional agendas. Experts like Dr. Happy Magoha, who chairs Tanzania's Technical Committee on Food Scientists, and Dr. Gayatri Indah, a technical expert on earthquakes for Indonesia's National Risk Maps Committee, showcase the influential roles that these women are occupying in shaping policies and strategies that lead to safer, healthier societies.

Notably, 20% of participants identified as entrepreneurs, launching initiatives that spur innovation and foster economic growth. Dr. Sadiyo Siad, founder of the Hano Academy and the Somali STEM Society, has significantly advanced STEM education and vocational training across Somalia, driving impactful changes in community education.

A Visionary Response to Global Needs

Reflecting on the program’s inception, Capella Festa, president of the Schlumberger Foundation, shared, "The establishment of Faculty for the Future was a visionary response to the need for scientific expertise in resource-scarce regions and the persistent gender gap in STEM fields. By empowering female researchers to contribute diverse perspectives to education, innovation, and leadership, the program illustrates how diversity strengthens scientific inquiry and engenders significant social impact."

The Schlumberger Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to broaden the reach and impact of the Faculty for the Future initiative. The organization believes that advancing women's roles in science is essential to achieving equitable and sustainable development worldwide. As the program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly foster a brighter future led by empowered women in STEM fields.

For more information on the Faculty for the Future program and its contributions to global STEM education, visit Schlumberger Foundation.