Open Call: Faculty for the Future new Fellowships

Deadline: 07-Nov-2026

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship invites applications from women scientists and engineers from eligible low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who plan to pursue PhD or postdoctoral research in STEM fields at recognized universities or research institutes abroad. The fellowship aims to address the underrepresentation of women from LMICs in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research and academia. It supports talented women who can become future leaders in STEM, contribute to socio-economic development in their home countries, and encourage more girls and women to pursue STEM careers. What Is the Faculty for the Future Fellowship? The Faculty for the Future Fellowship was established by the Schlumberger Foundation to support women from low- and middle-income countries pursuing advanced STEM education and research internationally. The program seeks to build a global network of women STEM leaders who can contribute to: - Scientific and technological advancement. - Higher education and research. - STEM teaching and mentorship. - Entrepreneurship and innovation. - Science and technology policy. - Socio-economic development. - Increased participation of women and girls in STEM. The fellowship focuses not only on academic excellence but also on the applicant’s potential to create long-term impact after returning to her home country or region. What Fields Does the Fellowship Support? The program supports advanced research in STEM disciplines.

Relevant areas may include:

- Science. - Technology. - Engineering. - Mathematics. - Applied scientific research. - Interdisciplinary STEM research. Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed research has strong academic value and relevance to development challenges in their home country or region. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is intended for women who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants must generally:

- Be a woman citizen of an eligible low- or middle-income country. - Be preparing for PhD or postdoctoral research. - Pursue research in a STEM discipline. - Be enrolled, admitted, or have applied to a recognized university or research institute outside their home country. - Demonstrate excellent academic performance. - Show a strong commitment to returning to their home country or region. - Have a record of teaching, leadership, or other meaningful engagement in STEM. - Demonstrate efforts to encourage girls and women to pursue STEM fields. Applicants should carefully verify that their country and proposed host institution meet the applicable fellowship requirements. What Academic Qualities Are Expected? Academic excellence is a central component of the selection process.

Strong candidates should demonstrate:

- Excellent academic records. - Strong research capabilities. - Relevant STEM qualifications. - Evidence of research achievement. - Clear academic and professional goals. - Potential for future leadership in STEM. Applicants should present their academic achievements clearly and demonstrate how their proposed research fits into their broader career objectives. Why Is Returning Home Important? A strong commitment to returning to the applicant’s home country or region is an important part of the fellowship. The program seeks to support women who will use their advanced knowledge and international research experience to contribute to their communities after completing their studies. Applicants should explain how they plan to apply their expertise through activities such as: - University teaching. - Research and scientific collaboration. - STEM mentorship. - Development of local research capacity. - STEM entrepreneurship. - Science and technology policy. - Innovation and technology transfer. - Training and mentoring future STEM professionals. The strongest applications connect international research training with a clear long-term contribution to the applicant’s home country or region. What Role Does STEM Leadership Play? Faculty for the Future is designed to develop future women leaders in science and engineering. Applicants should demonstrate leadership through activities such as: - Teaching STEM subjects. - Mentoring students. - Supervising or supporting young researchers. - Encouraging girls to study STEM. - Participating in scientific organizations. - Leading research or academic initiatives. - Supporting STEM education programs. - Promoting opportunities for women in science and engineering. Leadership does not have to be limited to formal positions. Practical evidence of influence, mentorship, teaching, and community engagement can strengthen an application. How Is the Host Institution Considered? The quality of the proposed host institution is an important consideration in the selection process. Applicants should demonstrate why their selected university or research institute is appropriate for their proposed research.

A strong application should explain:

- The institution’s research strengths. - Availability of appropriate research facilities. - Expertise of the proposed research environment. - Relevance of the institution to the applicant’s research objectives. - Why equivalent research opportunities may not be available in the applicant’s home country or region, where relevant. The host institution should provide an environment that enables the applicant to achieve meaningful research and professional development. Why Is Research Relevance Important? The fellowship considers how the proposed research could contribute to the applicant’s home country or region. Applicants should therefore clearly connect their research to relevant national or regional priorities.

Potential areas of impact may include:

- Sustainable development. - Health and biomedical innovation. - Environmental protection. - Energy and climate solutions. - Agricultural and food systems. - Digital technologies. - Infrastructure and engineering. - Scientific capacity building. -