Nigerian scientist and professor of chemistry at the University of Uyo, Edu Inam, has been awarded the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize by the Schlumberger Foundation. She was selected among nine women scientists and engineers from 156 applications across 61 countries for the inaugural prize. Inam's initiative, "Scaling a Research Equipment Database for Equitable Access in Nigeria," aims to improve researchers' access to scientific equipment and research infrastructure across the country.
Inam's background in analytical chemistry exposed her to the persistent problem of researchers struggling to access functional scientific equipment in Nigerian institutions. She developed LabEquipment.ng, a searchable platform that provides information on available research equipment, their locations, and contacts for accessing them. The platform was publicly launched in 2021 and had brought together 22 institutions, over 200 pieces of equipment, and more than 550 users by the end of 2025.
The Schlumberger Foundation announced the winners on its website in July, recognising Inam's initiative in three areas: educational outreach, technology innovation, and social impact. The prize will support further improvements to the platform, including mobile access, onboarding of more institutions, and clearer systems for researchers seeking access to equipment and laboratory services. Inam's goal is to create a more connected research ecosystem, enabling students and researchers to access necessary equipment and facilities.
Inam's initiative could also help universities, government agencies, funding organisations, and development partners make better decisions about investments in research infrastructure. By having a clearer picture of existing research capabilities, institutions can avoid unnecessary duplication of expensive equipment and identify areas where additional investment is genuinely required. The initiative can also help institutions treat research equipment as long-term assets rather than simply items purchased for laboratories.
The Faculty for the Future programme was established in 2004 to support women scientists and engineers from emerging and developing economies pursuing PhD and postdoctoral STEM research at leading institutions worldwide. The Schlumberger Foundation reached a milestone of funding 1,000 fellows globally in 2026. The foundation is an independent nonprofit organisation founded by Schlumberger in 1954 to support education and promote excellence in STEM research.
Other recipients of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize include Dr. Darshana Joshi, Dr. Angela Tabiri, Dr. Novalia Pishesha, and Dr. Chao Mbogo, who were recognised for their work in STEM access, mentorship infrastructure, and other initiatives. Capella Festa, president of the Schlumberger Foundation, said the Faculty for the Future programme had evolved from supporting education to recognising leadership and connecting fellows across the globe.
The International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research, where Inam serves as director, congratulated her on the recognition, praising her contribution to research excellence, collaboration, and scientific capacity building. Inam's long-term vision is to change the question from "Does my university own this equipment?" to "Where in Nigeria is this capability available, and how can I access it?" She aims to see a substantial proportion of major research institutions with verified equipment records and increased use of shared facilities and inter-institutional access.
Key points
- Edu Inam's initiative seeks to improve researchers' access to scientific equipment and research infrastructure across Nigeria.
- The Schlumberger Foundation Impact Prize will support further improvements to Inam's platform, LabEquipment.ng.
- The Faculty for the Future programme supports women scientists and engineers from emerging and developing economies pursuing STEM research.
