Schlumberger Foundation Celebrates Milestone of 1,000 Grants for Women in STEM

Celebrating a Milestone: 1,000 Grants by the Schlumberger Foundation

The Schlumberger Foundation has made significant strides in championing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through its flagship program, Faculty for the Future. On April 21, 2026, the foundation announced a remarkable achievement: the awarding of its 1,000th grant to deserving female scholars from lower and middle-income countries. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in the effort to enhance educational opportunities for women pursuing advanced studies in STEM subjects.

This year's cohort saw 163 exceptional women honored with scholarships, including 54 first-time recipients and 109 who are continuing their studies. By fostering a diverse community of researchers and educators, the program aims to equip scholars to address critical challenges in their respective countries through scientific inquiry and innovation.

Since its inception in 2004, Faculty for the Future has been instrumental in bolstering STEM education, research, and institutional capacities in regions where such advancements are essential. The impact is not only felt at the personal level for the scholars but also extends to the communities and institutions they serve. A recent survey revealed that approximately 83% of the alumni are actively contributing to academia, teaching over 185,000 students and mentoring nearly 900 doctoral candidates.

Global Impact of Scholarship Recipients

One striking outcome from the program is the transformative contributions made by its scholarship recipients. For instance, Dr. Deise Catamo and Dr. Helena Buque are leading a shift in neurological research and healthcare in Mozambique, directly impacting patient care and local medical practices. Similarly, Dr. Shakardokht Jafari has transitioned her research findings into a life-saving technology called TRUEinvivo®, which provides highly precise dosimetry solutions for cancer radiotherapy.

In addition to advancing their fields, nearly 59% of the surveyed recipients report active engagement in public policy. This includes influential roles, such as Dr. Happy Magoha, who chairs Tanzania's food scientists committee, and Dr. Gayatri Indah, who serves as a seismic risk specialist for Indonesia’s national disaster authority. Their work demonstrates how these scholars are not just advancing research but are also instrumental in shaping significant national and regional agendas that prioritize science and technology.

Entrepreneurial endeavors also feature prominently among the current cohort. 20% of the respondents identified as entrepreneurs, establishing enterprises that promote innovation and economic growth. Notable among them is Dr. Sadiyo Siad, who has been pivotal in enhancing STEM education in Somalia through several initiatives, including Hano Academy and the Somali STEM Society.

The Vision Behind the Program

Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation, articulated the foresight in establishing the Faculty for the Future initiative. She stated, "The initiation of the program twenty years ago was a visionary response to the demand for scientific expertise in underserved regions and to the persistent gender gap in STEM fields." By empowering female researchers to bring diverse perspectives to education and leadership, the program underscores the notion that diversity enhances research quality and yields impactful, sustainable outcomes.

The Schlumberger Foundation is committed to extending the reach and impact of the Faculty for the Future program, firmly believing that supporting women in science is crucial for fostering equitable and sustainable global development. The milestone of the 1,000th grant is not just a number—it represents an ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders in STEM on a global scale.

For additional information and to stay updated on the Faculty for the Future program, visit SchlumbergerFoundation.com.