Faculty for the Future fellowships, sustaining its community of women leaders
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from developing and
emerging countries
The Schlumberger Foundation
announced the most recent Faculty for the Future fellowship recipients of women
scientists and engineers from emerging and developing countries engaged in
post-gradua
te STEM research. Out of over 1,000 applications received for the
2016-2017 academic year, 49 new Fellowships were granted and another 169 were
renewed, showing the commitment of the Foundation to its existing grantees and
their research.
The research focus of this year’s
cohort of new Fellows is diverse, with the top five disciplines being
chemistry, biological sciences, health sciences, computer sciences and
agriculture, which reflects the regional challenges they encounter, showing the
determination of the awardees to improve conditions in their native regions
through science.
“We are thrilled to welcome these
new deserving and committed women to the Faculty for the Future community” said
Roseline Chapel, President of the Schlumberger Foundation. “While we support
this impressive community of women scientists engaged in critical research in
fields relevant to their home countries, we hope to also develop over the years
their visibility in their home institutions and beyond, and foster their role
as ambassadors of scientific education to girls and women and help to minimize
the STEM gender gap in their home countries and regions.”
The fellowships represent the
Schlumberger Foundation’s long term investment in a community of highly
qualified and recognized role models who help narrow the gender gap in STEM
disciplines by inspiring more women to study sciences. Fellowships are awarded
based on the applicant’s academic ability, leadership qualities, and engagement
in outreach activities towards underserved communities with STEM as a
development instrument in their home countries. Fellowship recipients have all
achieved academic excellence throughout their studies, often despite
considerable challenges and traditional barriers to education.
“I am proud to play a role in
this inspiring program”, said Gerard Martellozo, Chairman of the Schlumberger
Foundation. “The selection process is competitive and applicants must meet
rigorous selection criteria to become part of this vibrant community of women
in STEM. I am looking forward to seeing how the grantees will play a
determining role in their countries’ development and become an inspiration for
generations of women to follow their paths.”
About Faculty for the
Future
The program’s long-term goal is to generate conditions that result in more
women pursuing scientific careers by lowering 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 also 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, 600 women from 78 developing and emerging countries
have received Faculty for the Future fellowships to pursue PhD and
Post-Doctorate study in STEM in 243 renowned universities worldwide. 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.