Schlumberger Foundation Celebrates Nine Women Innovators with 2026 Impact Prize

Celebrating Women in STEM: The 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize

On July 16, 2026, the Schlumberger Foundation proudly announced the winners of its 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize, showcasing the remarkable achievements of nine talented women scientists and engineers. This initiative shines a light on the impact these women have had in their fields, promoting education, technology innovation, and social change.

A Legacy of Support for Women in STEM

The Faculty for the Future program, initiated by the Schlumberger Foundation over two decades ago, has played a pivotal role in empowering women from emerging and developing economies to pursue advanced research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By providing scholarships for PhD and postdoctoral studies, this program has equipped numerous female scientists to tackle pressing global challenges.

According to Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation, "The faculty for the future started by investing in the education of exceptional women. Now we see how that investment multiplies as these women pave the way for others in their communities. The Impact Prize enables us to recognize this leadership and help it travel further."

The 2026 Impact Prize Winners

Chosen from a competitive pool of 156 applications spanning 61 countries, the nine recipients of the Impact Prize represent a diverse array of scientific fields and initiatives:

1. Dr. Darshana Joshi - VigyanShaala, STEM Access for Women and Rural Communities in India.
2. Dr. Angela Tabiri - The Mathsqueen National STEAM Circuit.
3. Dr. Novalia Pishesha - Future Southeast Asian Scientist (FSAS).
4. Dr. Chao Mbogo - Mentorship Infrastructure for Holistic Technologists.
5. Dr. Hifza Rasheed - Empowering Women and Communities with Climate-Resilient Water.
6. Dr. Edu Inam - Scaling a Research Equipment Database for Equitable Access in Nigeria.
7. Professor Bridget Bannerman - Empowering African Women to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.
8. Dr. Tonthoza Uganja - Profitable Agroforestry for Smallholder Farmers in Malawi.
9. Dr. Zita Nodjikouambaye - Community-Based Screening for Cervical and Breast Cancer in Chad.

These winners are not only advancing their respective fields but are also enhancing access to education and healthcare, which in turn strengthens their communities.

Recognizing Broader Impact

The Impact Prize is more than just recognition; it facilitates growth and reflection. Through funding and visibility, the Foundation aims to help these women amplify their efforts and deepen their influence. The Initiative underscores the importance of collaboration among scientists, engineers, and the communities they serve, aiming for lasting change.

The Faculty for the Future program has now funded over 1,000 Fellows globally, marking a significant milestone in its journey. As these women continue to break barriers and challenge norms, their stories serve as an inspiration and a testament to the power of education in shaping a more equitable world.

Conclusion

The 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize illuminates the significant strides made by women in science and engineering, recognizing their innovative solutions and contributions. As they stand at the forefront of change, we can anticipate a more inclusive and progressive future in STEM. The Schlumberger Foundation remains committed to supporting these extraordinary women and fostering their work as they drive transformational change in their communities and beyond.