Edu Inam Receives Schlumberger Prize for Research Access Initiative

Edu Inam, a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Uyo, has been awarded the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize by the Schlumberger Foundation. She was selected from 156 applications across 61 countries for her initiative, ‘Scaling a Research Equipment Database for Equitable Access in Nigeria.’ This project aims to enhance researchers' access to scientific equipment and infrastructure in Nigeria.

Inam, a former Head of the Department of Chemistry and current Director of the International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research at the university, developed a searchable platform, http://LabEquipment.ng, launched in 2021. By the end of 2025, the platform had connected 22 institutions, listed over 200 pieces of equipment, and facilitated more than 3,000 searches.

The prize funding will support improvements to the platform, aiming to create a more connected research ecosystem. Capella Festa, President of the Schlumberger Foundation, stated the prize recognizes leadership among women scientists addressing community challenges.