Initiated by the Schlumberger Foundation in 2004, the goal of the Faculty for the Future program is to create a community of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), who will support the socio-economic development of their developing home countries. 

Scientific exchange and dialogue

The Faculty for the Future Forum offers a unique environment that encourages an open dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that face women in STEM. The most recent event addressed the question, “Can STEM education be instrumental in achieving the Millennium Development Goals?”

In attendance were 60 women scientists, representing 31 developing countries, who are studying at 40 leading North American universities as Faculty for the Future Fellows. During the event the women shared their research and life experiences as women in STEM. 

Throughout the three-day session, the Faculty for the Future Fellows had the opportunity to collaborate, learn from each other and to network with distinguished scientists and other accomplished invited speakers who could act as mentors for the Fellows during their future careers.

Inspiring role models

In his keynote speech, Schlumberger Foundation President Sola Oyinlola urged the women to make STEM relevant in their societies by using their diverse skills to contribute to problem-solving in the communities wherever they lived, stressing that STEM applications are everywhere around them.

Through learning sessions, panel discussions and breakout meetings, participants heard from leaders in STEM fields on topics such as overcoming obstacles that could still be keeping women out of these fields, and how to support the up and coming generation of young women in STEM.

Past forums have been held in the United Kingdom (London and Cambridge), France (Paris area), the United States (New York City, Cambridge, Massachusetts and Houston, Texas) and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi).

About Faculty for the Future

Since its launch in 2004, over 400 women from 68 developing countries have received Faculty for the Future fellowships to pursue advanced graduate study in STEM at top universities abroad. Grant recipients are expected to return to their home countries to continue their academic careers and inspire other young women to choose vocations in science and engineering. 

About the Schlumberger Foundation

The Schlumberger Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports STEM education. Recognizing the link between science, engineering, technology, and socio-economic development, as well as the key role of education in realizing individual potential, the Schlumberger Foundation’s flagship program is Faculty for the Future.