The Schlumberger Foundation has named Nigerian researcher Dr. Edu Inam among nine winners of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize, recognising women scientists whose work delivers practical solutions in science, technology and engineering.
Nine Fellows Win Global Impact Prize
The foundation announced the winners on July 16, 2026, in Kampala, Uganda. It selected the recipients through a merit-based process that rewards Fellows who turn scientific and engineering knowledge into projects with measurable impact.
The award builds on the Faculty for the Future programme, which has supported women scientists and engineers from emerging and developing economies for more than 20 years. The programme helps participants pursue advanced STEM research while developing leadership skills.
However, the Impact Prize provides funding, global visibility and stronger links with the Faculty for the Future network. The foundation said the support will help recipients expand their projects and increase their impact.
Nigerian Researcher Earns Recognition
Dr. Edu Inam received the award for Scaling a Research Equipment Database for Equitable Access in Nigeria. Her initiative aims to improve access to research equipment and strengthen scientific collaboration across Nigeria.
The foundation also honoured Dr. Darshana Joshi for VigyanShaala: STEM Access for Women and Rural Communities in India. Dr. Angela Tabiri earned recognition for The Mathsqueen National STEAM Circuit, while Dr. Novalia Pishesha received an award for Future Southeast Asian Scientist (FSAS).
Dr. Chao Mbogo won for Mentorship Infrastructure for Holistic Technologists. Dr. Hifza Rasheed received recognition for Empowering Women and Communities with Climate-Resilient Water.
Winners Address Global Challenges
Also, Professor Bridget Bannerman earned an award for Empowering African Women to Eliminate Cervical Cancer. Dr. Tonthoza Uganja won for Profitable Agroforestry for Smallholder Farmers in Malawi, while Dr. Zita Nodjikouambaye received recognition for Community-Based Screening for Cervical and Breast Cancer in Chad.
The foundation selected the nine winners from 156 applications submitted across 61 countries. It said the winning projects improve access to STEM education, research facilities and healthcare while tackling challenges in water, agriculture and climate resilience.
Speaking on the award, Schlumberger Foundation President Capella Festa said the Faculty for the Future programme continues to produce leaders who create opportunities for others, strengthen institutions and solve urgent problems in their communities.
Festa said the Impact Prize recognises that leadership, connects Fellows across the global network and helps more people benefit from their work.
Foundation Marks New Milestone
The foundation described the award as a new chapter for the Faculty for the Future programme. It said the initiative strengthens a global fellowship that promotes scientific and engineering leadership among women researchers.
The Schlumberger Foundation noted that the programme reached a major milestone in 2026 after funding 1,000 Fellows worldwide. Founded by SLB in 1954, the independent non-profit launched the Faculty for the Future programme in 2004 to support women pursuing PhD and postdoctoral STEM research at leading institutions across the world.
