A Thousand Minds: How STEM Grants for Women are Reshaping Nations

KAMPALA, Uganda – April 21, 2026 – The Schlumberger Foundation today marked a transformative milestone, announcing it has now funded 1,000 women scientists and engineers through its flagship Faculty for the Future program. The announcement coincides with the awarding of 163 new and renewal grants for the 2026–2027 academic year to exceptional women from low- and middle-income countries pursuing advanced STEM research.

Since its inception in 2004, the program has quietly built a global network of change agents. By providing critical funding for PhD and postdoctoral studies at top-tier universities, the foundation has enabled these scholars to overcome financial barriers and access world-class education. The core expectation is that these fellows return to their home countries, equipped to lead, innovate, and inspire the next generation. This year's cohort, comprising 54 new fellows and 109 renewing grantees, pushes the total number of empowered leaders to a landmark four figures, signaling a profound, long-term investment in global scientific equity.

A Strategic Investment in Global Equity

The Faculty for the Future program was born from a clear-eyed assessment of a persistent global challenge: the stark gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Globally, women represent less than 30% of the world's researchers. This disparity is often more pronounced in developing nations, where socio-cultural barriers, a lack of funding, and few visible role models can stifle the ambitions of brilliant women. In Indonesia, for instance, women account for only about one in five STEM professionals, while in Tanzania, fewer than 5% of female tertiary students were enrolled in STEM programs in 2019.

It is this gap that the Schlumberger Foundation strategically targets. By focusing on women from developing economies, the program aims to create a powerful multiplier effect. These women not only advance their own careers but also become catalysts for systemic change, strengthening scientific institutions and challenging outdated stereotypes in their communities.

"The creation of the Faculty for the Future program twenty years ago was a visionary response to both the need for scientific expertise in under-resourced regions and the persistent gender gap in STEM," said Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation, in a statement. "By empowering women researchers to bring distinct perspectives to education, innovation, and leadership, the program demonstrates how diversity strengthens research and drives meaningful, lasting impact."

From Research to Real-World Revolutions

The true measure of the program's success lies in the remarkable achievements of its fellows. These women are not just completing degrees; they are translating their knowledge into tangible solutions that address critical needs in their home countries. A recent survey of the program’s alumnae reveals that 83% work in academia, collectively teaching over 185,000 students and supervising nearly 900 graduate research projects. This academic backbone is crucial for building sustainable, local scientific capacity.

Some fellows have sparked revolutions in healthcare and technology. Dr. Shakardokht Jafari, originally from Afghanistan, used the fellowship to complete her PhD in the UK. She transformed her research into TRUEinvivo®, a company that develops life-saving technology for precision radiotherapy, improving cancer treatment outcomes. In Mozambique, neurologists Dr. Deise Catamo and Dr. Helena Buque are leading a quiet revolution of their own, building up the country's capacity for neurological research and patient care in a field where local expertise was scarce.

Perhaps one of the most striking examples of localized impact is Dr. Sadiyo Siad in Somalia. As a Faculty for the Future fellow, she has become a powerhouse of educational development, founding Hano Academy, Hano Technical University, the Somali STEM Society, and the Hano Connect platform. Her work has created an entire ecosystem for advancing STEM and vocational education across a nation rebuilding its institutions.

Shaping Policy and Driving Economies

The influence of these STEM leaders extends far beyond the laboratory and classroom. The foundation's survey found that nearly 59% of its fellows are actively engaged in shaping public policy, embedding scientific rigor into national decision-making. Their expertise is being leveraged to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

In Tanzania, Dr. Happy Magoha serves as the Chairperson of the Technical Committee of Food Scientists, influencing food safety and security standards. In Indonesia, a nation frequently impacted by seismic activity, Dr. Gayatri Indah contributes her expertise to the National Hazard Map Committee, helping to protect lives and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the research of fellows like Mekdelawit Deribe and Rania Al-Zou'bi on critical river systems informs more equitable and sustainable water management policies in their respective regions.

Furthermore, about 20% of fellows have embraced entrepreneurship, launching ventures that foster innovation and create jobs. The stories of Dr. Jafari’s medical technology company and Dr. Siad’s educational enterprises illustrate a powerful trend: when women with advanced technical skills are empowered, they become engines of economic growth and social progress.

A Model for Corporate-Backed Philanthropy

The Faculty for the Future program serves as a compelling case study in effective, long-term strategic philanthropy. Its success is intrinsically linked to the vision of its parent organization, SLB, which has integrated social and environmental goals into its core business strategy. SLB's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and its high ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) ratings reflect a corporate culture that values sustainable development.

The foundation’s focus on building in-country value and promoting diversity aligns perfectly with these broader objectives. By meticulously tracking the long-term impact of its fellows—from academic publications to policy roles and entrepreneurial ventures—the program demonstrates a clear return on its investment, not in dollars, but in human progress.

As the 1,000th fellowship is celebrated, the program stands as a testament to the power of targeted investment. It proves that addressing the global gender gap in STEM is not just a matter of fairness but a strategic imperative for fostering innovation and building resilient societies. The success of these 1,000 women demonstrates a powerful truth: investing in the potential of one woman in science can create a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities and builds a more equitable future for all.