Schlumberger Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Schlumberger Foundation conducts the philanthropy of SLB, an offshore drilling and oilfield services company. Its flagship program is Faculty for the Future, which supports women from developing and emerging countries who are pursuing doctoral degrees and postdoctoral studies in STEM disciplines.
IP TAKE: The Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future program aims to “to generate conditions that result in more women pursuing scientific disciplines.” The program seeks to support outstanding STEM area scholars who also exhibit strong leadership skills and a commitment to teach and mentor the next generation of women in science, technology, math and engineering. The program accepts applications from women in “developing and emerging countries” and offers application materials in five languages. With over 50 fellowships awarded some years, this is an accessible opportunity for women in STEM. Read the program guidelines carefully before submitting applications.
PROFILE: Schlumberger Limited, also known as SLB, is an offshore oil drilling and oilfield services company. Originally founded in France, Shlumberger now maintains its headquarters in Houston, Texas. It is the largest company of its kind and operates in more than 85 countries, with research and development centers and product and service operations around the world. The Schlumberger Foundation’s work is rooted in “the link between science, technology, and socio-economic development, as well as the key role of education in realizing individual potential.” It makes grants through its flagship program Faculty for the Future, which aims “to accelerate gender equality in STEM by creating conditions that enable more women to pursue scientific careers.”
Grants for STEM, Women and Girls
Schlumberger's main program, Faculty for the Future, funds the doctoral or post-doctoral studies of the most promising women in STEM disciplines from “developing and emerging” countries who will seek positions in academia as professors and researchers. Recipients are “selected as much for their leadership capabilities as for their scientific talents, and they are expected to return to their home countries to continue their careers and inspire other young women.” Recent cohorts of the fellowship have participated in Faculty for the Future Community events, which bring as many as 50 fellows together “to interact, share research and life experiences, advance on topics such as the relationships between gender, science and socio-economic development and, more importantly, they are events where friendships are built and moral support is mutually offered.”
Since the program’s inception in 2004, the program has supported close to 900 women from 90 countries. Grants for PhD. students range from $25,000 to $50,000 per year for two years. Postdoctoral awards are capped at $40,000 per year for two years. In some cases, grants may be renewed for a third year.
The foundation provides application guidelines and materials on it website in five languages and runs virtual information sessions during the months of August and September. Applications are usually accepted from September through November each year. Winners are announced in the spring.
Important Grant Details:
Faculty for the Future fellowships are awarded in amounts of up to $50,000 per year, with fellowships typically lasting two to three years.
The program is open to women from “developing and emerging” countries pursuing doctoral degrees or postdoctoral work in STEM disciplines.
The program has awarded over 50 fellowships in a year.
The fellowship program usually involves participation in one or more Faculty for the Future Community events.
This funder accepts applications through its online application portal for a window of time from September through November.
Application materials are offered in five languages on the program’s website.
Questions about the Faculty for the Future program or the application process may be submitted via email at faculty4future@slb.com.
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