Schlumberger Foundation Fellowships for Women from Developing Countries

Overview

Faculty for the Future fellowships are awarded to women from developing and emerging economies who are preparing for PhD or post-doctoral study in the physical sciences and related disciplines at top universities for their disciplines abroad.

Launched by the Schlumberger Foundation in 2004, the Faculty for the Future community now stands at 194 women from 54 countries, and grows steadily each year.

The long-term goal of the Faculty for the Future program is to generate conditions that result in more women pursuing scientific disciplines. Grant recipients are therefore 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 academic careers and inspire other young women.

Faculty for the Future grants are based on the actual costs of studying and living in the chosen location, and are capped at USD 50,000 for PhDs and USD 40,000 for Post-doctoral study. Grants may be renewed through to completion of studies subject to performance, self-evaluation and recommendations from supervisors.

Over the past few years, Faculty for the Future has extended its mission to community building. An on-line forum (restricted access) provides a popular venue for daily interaction among the 194 Fellows.

In addition, as we believe nothing beats meeting face to face, approximately 40 fellows are brought together during biennial forums allowing them face to face to contact in an informal conference setting. These forums provide a unique opportunity 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. In addition to these forums, several smaller informal gatherings are also organized.

Eligibility Applicants must meet all the following criteria:- Be a woman;- Be a citizen of a developing country;- Wish to pursue a PhD degree or Post-doctoral research in the physical sciences or related disciplines;- Have applied to, have been admitted to, or are currently enrolled in a university abroad;- Wish to return to their home country to continue their academic career upon completion of their studies;- Be very committed to teaching and demonstrate active participation in faculty life and outreach work to encourage young women into the sciences;

- Hold an excellent academic record.

How to applyApplications are only accepted through the on-line system www.fftf.slb.com

Note that the on-line system will be open from September 12th to November 30th 2011.

General tips to help you- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and the application deadline;- Plan ahead! Producing a qood quality application takes time and final selection is based in part on the standard of your application and accompanying materials;- Have a clear strategy. Make sure all parts of your application form an integrated whole. Your application should highlight aspects about you and your career that will give the reviewer a focused yet well-rounded view of your candidature;- Read and follow the instructions carefully. The instructions are your guide to producing a comprehensive and and competitive application;

- Information regarding available funding from other sources (fellowships, scholarships, sponsorships…) should also be provided.

A successful application will have gone through four selection rounds, with the reviewers paying particular attention to the following criteria:

- Academic performance;- Quality of references;- Quality of host country university;- Level of commitment to return to home country;- Commitment to teaching;- Relevance of research to home country;

- Commitment to inspiring young women into the sciences.

Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

E-mails requesting information already included in the FAQ section will not receive a response.

Renewal Grant Application Process

Important: If you are a Faculty for the Future Fellow who is in transition from a PhD to Post-doctoral research, please make sure you go through the New grant application channel, and not the Renewal grant application channel.

Eligibility

Obtaining a Renewal grant is not automatic. Renewals are largely subject to performance, self-evaluation, and recommendations from your current supervisor (preferably host and home) as well as availability of funding. Strong evidence that other sources of funding have been explored should be indicated, especially if you have already received one renewal grant from Faculty for the Future.

How to applyApplications are only accepted through the on-line system www.fftf.slb.com

Note that the on-line system will be open from September 12th to November 30th 2011.

General tips to help you- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and the application deadline;- Plan ahead! Producing a good quality application takes time and final selection is based in part on the standard of your application and accompanying materials;- Have a clear strategy. Make sure all parts of your application form an integrated whole. Your application should highlight aspects about you and your career that will give the reviewer a focused yet well-rounded view of your candidature;- Read and follow the instructions carefully. The instructions are your guide to producing a comprehensive and competitive application.- Note that the personal essay section should focus on PhD milestones, results obtained, papers published, conferences attended, and teaching undertaken. It should focus on your academic progress and not solely on your technical progress;- If your application is for further Post-doctoral studies, explain in your personal essay why you want to pursue an additional Post-doctoral year. Insight needs to be provided with regards to the difference the PhD or Post-doctorate will make on your career progression and the impact it will have in your home country university department;

- Information regarding available funding from other sources (fellowships, scholarships, sponsorships…) should also be provided.

A successful application will have gone through four selection rounds , with the reviewers paying particular attention to the following criteria:

- Academic performance;
- Quality of references;
- Quality of host country university;
- Level of commitment to return to home country;
- Commitment to teaching;
- Relevance of research to home country;
- Commitment to inspiring young women into the sciences.

Further information, please visit http://www.facultyforthefuture.net/

Please quote Scholarization.blogspot.com on your application when applying for this scholarship