As part of our commitment to advance science and technology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany launched the research grants program (hereinafter the “Research Grant”). The aim of the Research Grant is to create new sustainable partnerships with leading global science and technology players to work on breakthrough science and to generate valuable seeds for future business.
The 2022 Research Grants program is open to scientists in all career stages who are affiliated with any research-based institution, university or company. In 2022, we are offering a series of research grants to stimulate innovative research in challenging areas of future importance.
In the first stage of the Research Grants applications process, applicants submit their application containing non-confidential information only.
The second stage of the Research Grant process is a collaborative step, the deep-dive workshop. This is when finalists submit their full proposals and then work together with our managers and scientists to jointly optimize submitted project proposals.
The third stage of the Research Grants process is the Research Grant funding phase. At this stage, we enter into bilateral collaboration agreements with the winning recipients, to enable pay-out and project start.
Grants offers are available in the areas as further specified below.
- Drug discovery – 3 grants comprising up to 500,000 €/year for 3 years with the option of extension.
- AI for predictive diagnostics & therapeutic target discovery – grant comprising between 100,000 – 300,000 $/year for 2 years with the option of extension
- Chemistry in the cloud – Rapid synthesis through automation
- Innovation within green chemistry
- Sustainability in healthcare R&D
REQUIREMENTS/SELECTION CRITERIA
Applications for the Research Grants will be reviewed by dedicated Research Grant committees, therefore all research applications will be scored based on the following criteria:
- Innovativeness
- Commercial potential
- Path forward after 3 years
- Probability of success
- Team strength and
- Strategic fit
NOTE: In case applications are received from Healthcare Professionals, the applicable Healthcare Compliance principles, rules and regulations will be followed.
Also, applications for more than one grant or application for more than one focus topic can be submitted.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31, 2022
