Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from emerging and developing countries pursuing post-graduate studies have been selected as Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellows for the 2019-2020 academic year. This year, 38 new fellowships have been awarded and 93 were renewed demonstrating the commitment of the Foundation to its current pool of grantees and the research projects they have embarked upon, while continuing to add new talent to this ever-growing scientific community in those areas and universities that are less represented in the program.

The top three disciplines of this year’s cohort are in engineering, interdisciplinary sciences and biological sciences. The Fellows are working on topical questions related to challenges faced in their home countries and regions. Their drive, determination and passion to use their scientific knowledge to tackle and solve these matters are characteristic of the Fellows who have been awarded.

“We continue to receive a steady number of applications and prioritize renewing those grantees whose academic progress matches their maturing contribution towards the Foundation goals, while also welcoming new Fellows to the program who are academically strong and already possess the qualities to become powerful role models at universities currently under-represented by our exiting community. The Schlumberger Foundation is determined to reach out to those countries and regions that are still under-represented and is expecting to receive more applications from these areas in September 2019 when the next call for applications will open,” notes Roseline Chapel, President, Schlumberger Foundation.

These fellowship awards demonstrate the Schlumberger Foundation’s long-term investment in a community of highly qualified and recognized role models who are contributing to reducing the gender gap in STEM disciplines by inspiring more women to study science. Fellowships are awarded based on the applicant’s academic ability, leadership qualities and engagement in STEM outreach activities in under-served communities in their home countries. Fellowship recipients have all achieved academic excellence throughout their studies and often despite considerable challenges.

About Faculty for the Future

The program’s long-term goal is to generate conditions that result in more women pursuing scientific careers by removing the barriers women face when entering STEM disciplines, thus reducing the gender gap. Faculty for the Future Fellows are expected to return to their home countries after completion of their studies to contribute to economic, social and technological advancement by strengthening the STEM teaching and research faculties of their home institutions, and to pursue positions in the public sector where their newly acquired technical and scientific skills can help provide evidence-based support for STEM policy making. In so doing, they become powerful role models and help to inspire other girls and women to pursue scientific careers.

Since its launch in 2004, 721 women from 80 developing and emerging countries have received Faculty for the Future fellowships to pursue PhD and Post-Doctorate study in STEM. The program also helps build a community for the Fellows through Forums, both online and in person.

About the Schlumberger Foundation

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