Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program 2024

Are you a woman pursuing a career in STEM and searching for scholarships? You’re not alone in this quest. It can be quite overwhelming, I know. One scholarship I’ll recommend you go for is the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program. 

The unique opportunity offers a full-ride scholarship specifically for women in science. It’s an incredible chance for financial support as you embark on or continue your academic journey in a STEM field. The program is open to applicants planning to attend or already enrolled in a school, covering all your tuition expenses. This could be the stepping stone you need for your STEM education.

This article will cover all you need to know about the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program and how you can apply for them. 

What is the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program? 

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program, launched in 2004, aims to foster gender equality in STEM. It recognizes the critical need for women and girls to have full access to STEM education for empowerment. The program’s mission is to balance gender representation in science, believing that women’s talents in STEM can significantly benefit their local communities, regions, and globally.

Fellowships are awarded for advanced STEM research at top international institutes. Recipients, known as Faculty for the Future Fellows, are expected to return to their home countries after their studies. Their role is to enhance the economic, social, and technological development by bolstering STEM education and research at local institutions and leading in science-based entrepreneurship. They also play a crucial role in the public sector, using their skills for evidence-based STEM policy making, including gender representation issues.

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program serves as a driving force, enabling women to realize their full potential in STEM fields. It instills motivation, self-awareness, and a deep-seated passion for science, inspiring other women and girls to see scientific endeavors as essential for progress and development.

Since its inception, 863 women from 90 countries have been granted Faculty for the Future fellowships for their PhD and Postdoctoral research in STEM. The program offers interactive online tools and in-person meetings, creating a collaborative environment for these women to address and overcome barriers to equal opportunities in STEM education and careers in their communities and countries.

Applications for the 2024-2025 Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships are open online from September 4th to November 10th, 2023.

What is Schlumberger Foundation? 

The Schlumberger Foundation is a nonprofit entity that champions science and technology education. It understands the crucial connection between these fields and socio-economic progress. The foundation also acknowledges the importance of education in unlocking individual capabilities. Its main initiative, the Faculty for the Future program, embodies this commitment. 

This program is at the heart of the foundation’s efforts, demonstrating its dedication to fostering educational opportunities in science and technology. The foundation’s work is pivotal in bridging the gap between educational advancement and socio-economic development. Through its programs, it plays a significant role in nurturing talent and potential in these critical areas.

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program Requirements

Eligibility for the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program hinges on several key criteria. You must be a woman from a developing country or emerging economy, where your gender is underrepresented in STEM fields. Holding dual citizenship disqualifies you if one is from a developed country, and obtaining such citizenship after receiving a grant results in its termination.

Your academic pursuit should be towards a PhD or post-doctoral research in a STEM discipline, excluding Master’s level studies. Enrollment, admission, or application to an overseas university or research institute is mandatory before applying for this program. For sandwich courses, the degree must be awarded by the host university abroad or jointly, but not solely by your home country university.

A stellar academic record is essential. You must intend to return to your home country or region after your studies to contribute to its socio-economic development. This includes a commitment to an academic or research position in a STEM faculty, becoming a STEM entrepreneur to address local challenges, or using your scientific skills in public sector policy making, especially in gender representation in STEM.

Your Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program application should reflect a proven teaching record in your home country, leadership skills, active community involvement, and efforts to encourage women and girls into STEM fields. Applications not meeting these criteria will not be considered in the selection process.

FAQ

What is the Initial Duration of the Grant ?

Your grant from the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future program initially covers one academic year. Remember, renewal isn’t guaranteed. It hinges on your academic performance, the strength of your references (you must have one from your host university supervisor), and the program’s renewal criteria.

Is it Mandatory to Pursue an Academic Career?

The Foundation doesn’t ask for proof of a faculty position in your home country post-study. But, they do scrutinize your commitment to return home during the selection phase. This applies to both new applicants and those seeking renewal. The committee looks for solid ties with your home country’s universities, research bodies, or other relevant institutions.

The strength of your connection, especially in renewal cases, is crucial. They assess your efforts in securing research roles, faculty positions, or involvement in significant projects with home institutions. These efforts greatly influence your chances of getting and renewing the grant. So, it’s essential to demonstrate a strong bond with your home country and its academic or research landscape.

May I Change my Research Project or Host University if I Receive an Award?

The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future program initially grants funding for one academic year. Continuation of this grant for subsequent years isn’t guaranteed. It depends on your academic performance, the quality of your references, and the renewal criteria set by the program. Remember, a reference from your supervisor at the host university is essential.

Wondering if you can switch your research project or host university after receiving the award? Once you’ve submitted your application, changes to your research project or the chosen host university aren’t allowed. The Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program award you might receive is based on the specifics in your application. Any post-award changes to your project or university choice need prior approval from the Schlumberger Foundation. It’s crucial to make thoughtful decisions about your host university and research project when applying. There’s no assurance that requests for changes later on will be approved.

If I need to interrupt my study for more than 4 weeks due to personal circumstances (e.g. health, family). What shall I do?

In case you face personal circumstances like health or family issues that require you to pause your studies for over four weeks, it’s crucial to notify the Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Program staff. You should clearly communicate the cause of this break and its impact on your academic or research activities. It’s also important to outline your strategy for managing this interruption.

Additionally, you need to inform them about the stance of your host institution regarding such a pause in your studies. This communication is essential to maintain transparency and to seek any necessary support or guidance from the Foundation during this period. Remember, keeping the Foundation informed helps in aligning their expectations with your situation and ensures that they can provide appropriate assistance or accommodations if needed.