Merck is inviting scientists to apply for its Research Grants Program, which supports innovative research across multiple scientific disciplines. According to the supplied information, the program encourages breakthrough research through competitive grants, collaborative workshops, and partnerships with Merck scientists. Since 2018, Merck has offered research grants to stimulate innovation in key areas shaping the future of science and technology.
About the Merck Research Grants Program
According to the supplied information, the Merck Research Grants Program is designed to encourage innovation by providing funding and collaboration opportunities for researchers.
Since 2018, the program has offered research grants of up to €500,000 per year for up to three years, depending on the research topic. The grants support projects in areas including drug discovery, artificial intelligence, sustainability, biotechnology, and environmental science.
Program Summary
| Organization | Merck |
|---|---|
| Program | Merck Research Grants |
| Opportunity Type | Research Grant |
| Eligible Applicants | Scientists affiliated with research institutions, universities, or companies |
| Maximum Funding | Up to €500,000 per year (depending on the grant topic) |
| Collaboration | Research collaboration with Merck scientists |
Research Grant Topics
According to the supplied information, the current research grant opportunities include:
In-vitro Models and Assays for Neuroinflammatory Diseases
This research area supports proposals to develop predictive in-vitro models for identifying and optimizing novel therapies for human neuroinflammatory diseases.
Funding available:
- One grant of up to €250,000 per year for up to two years.
Artificial Intelligence in Cell Culture Media and Process Development
Merck invites proposals that use artificial intelligence and modeling approaches to optimize bioprocesses and cell culture media development.
Funding available:
- One grant of up to €150,000 per year for up to three years.
Innovative Approaches to Economical Remediation of Contaminated High-Volume Materials
This grant supports research focused on sustainable remediation of contaminated soil and water, particularly involving chloro-organic pollutants.
Funding available:
- One grant of up to €150,000 per year for up to two years.
Condensate-Based High-Sensitivity Cell-Free Screening Assays
According to the supplied information, this topic supports innovative screening assays for studying and modulating weak protein-protein interactions.
Funding available:
- One grant of up to €100,000 per year for up to three years.
Advancing Molecule Synthesis and Discovery
Researchers may receive:
- A one-year SYNTHIA® Retrosynthesis Software license.
- Training.
- Extensive interaction with Merck scientists.
According to the supplied information, up to three research grants are available under this topic.
Funding and Collaboration
According to the supplied information, the Research Grants Program includes three stages:
Stage 1 – Initial Application
Applicants submit a proposal containing non-confidential information only.
Applicants may apply for more than one grant. Selected applicants are invited to submit a confidential full proposal.
Stage 2 – Deep-Dive Workshops
Finalists participate in collaborative workshops with Merck managers and scientists to strengthen and refine their research proposals.
According to the supplied information, workshop participants are informed in October, with workshops scheduled during November and December.
Stage 3 – Research Grant Funding
Successful applicants enter into collaboration agreements with Merck and work alongside Merck scientists throughout the funded project.
The supplied information states that regular meetings with Merck scientists take place during the funding period.
Who Can Apply?
According to the supplied information, the Merck Research Grants Program is open to:
- Scientists at all career stages.
- Researchers affiliated with:
- Research institutions.
- Universities.
- Companies.
Application Deadline
According to the supplied information:
- Submission deadline: 31 August 2026.
How to Apply
According to the supplied information:
Step 1
Choose the research topic that best aligns with your proposal.
Step 2
Prepare a non-confidential research application.
Step 3
Submit your application through the Merck Research Grants platform.
Step 4
If shortlisted, submit a full confidential proposal and participate in a Deep-Dive Workshop.
Step 5
Successful applicants enter into a collaboration agreement with Merck before project funding begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
According to the supplied information, scientists at any career stage who are affiliated with research institutions, universities, or companies may apply.
Can I apply for more than one grant?
Yes. The supplied information states that applicants may apply for more than one grant.
What happens after the first application stage?
Selected applicants are invited to submit a confidential proposal and participate in collaborative Deep-Dive Workshops with Merck scientists.
Does Merck collaborate with grant recipients?
Yes. According to the supplied information, successful applicants work with Merck scientists throughout the funded project.
When is the application deadline?
According to the supplied information, the submission deadline for the current call is 31 August 2026.
Conclusion
The Merck Research Grants Program provides scientists with an opportunity to secure funding while collaborating directly with Merck experts on innovative research projects. According to the supplied information, the program supports a broad range of scientific disciplines—including neuroinflammatory disease research, artificial intelligence, environmental remediation, protein interaction screening, and molecule synthesis—and offers competitive funding together with long-term research partnerships.
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