Feature Story

Removing Barriers to Scientific Vocations

The Schlumberger Foundation announces its 2020-2021 Faculty for the Future fellowship awards for women in STEM

The Schlumberger Foundation has awarded Faculty for the Future fellowships to a new cohort of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The women—from developing countries and emerging economies often where they are underrepresented in STEM—are pursuing post-graduate studies at leading research institutes around the world.

This year, 19 new fellowships have been awarded and a further 77 were renewed. Many of this year’s fellows are pursuing studies focused on climate and environmental science, engineering, and computer science disciplines. The fellows are predominantly working to resolve challenges faced by their communities in their home countries and regions.

“This year we received an increased number of new, high quality applications,” said Roseline Chapel, President, Schlumberger Foundation. “In addition, we continue to remain committed to renewing grantees whose progress and return plans are in line with the Foundation goals, while adding a reasonable number of new, academically strong candidates, who have the qualities needed to be powerful role models upon their return to universities currently under-represented by our existing community.”

The fellowship awards demonstrate the Schlumberger Foundation’s long-term investment in a community of highly qualified and recognized role models that are contributing to narrowing 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 outreach activities in under-served communities in their home countries. Fellowship recipients have all achieved academic excellence throughout their studies and often in the face of considerable challenges.

The program awards fellowships for advanced research in STEM at leading research institutes abroad. Faculty for the Future Fellows are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of their studies to contribute to the economic, social, and technological advancement of their home regions by strengthening the STEM teaching and research faculties of their home institutions as well as through their leadership in science-based entrepreneurship. They are also expected to contribute to the public sector where their newly acquired technical and scientific skills can help provide evidence-based support for STEM policy making, including topics of gender representation.

This program acts as a catalyst for these women to further tap into their potential. Through heightened motivation, sharpened self-awareness and a lasting passion for science they in turn capture the imagination of other women and girls around them to regard scientific pursuits as a necessary means towards advancement and growth.

Since its launch in 2004, 739 women from 82 countries have received Faculty for the Future fellowships for PhD and Post-Doctorate STEM research programs. Through interactive online tools and in-person meetings, the program provides a platform for these women to take joint action in identifying and unravelling the impediments that are holding back equal opportunities in STEM education and careers in their local communities and home countries.

All photos were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and before social distancing measures were introduced.