The Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant Program supports researchers, scientists and research institutions worldwide across multiple scientific and technological fields. The grant provides up to €500,000 per year in funding for successful research proposals. The programme opens annually with deadlines for the present funding year set for 31 August 2026. Successful projects may be funded for up to three years.
About The Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant
The Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant Program is an initiative supported by the Merck group, a global science and technology company active in healthcare, life sciences and electronics. The grant programme aims to support research projects that address future-oriented scientific and technological challenges. The initiative provides funding of between 100,000 EUR and 500.000 EUR for selected project topics.
The first project topic, “In-vitro models & assays to identify novel therapies for neuroinflammatory disease,” is supported with up to 250,000 EUR and has a duration of 2 years. The second and third topics: Artificial intelligence in cell culture media and process development, and Innovative Approaches to Economical Remediation of Contaminated High Volume Materials are supported with up to 150,000 EUR with a duration of 3 and 2 years, respectively. The last topic: Condensate-Based High-Sensitivity Cell-Free Screening Assays for the modulation of PPIs has a funding of 100,000 for up to 3 years.
The awards aim to foster innovation and deepen partnerships between Merck scientists and external research teams.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: 100,000 EUR – 500.000 EUR
- Maximum award: 500.000 EUR
- Project duration supported: 1-3 years
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Who Can Apply for the Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant
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- Eligible organisation types:
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Academic research institutions
- Registration requirements:
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- Applicants must register through the official online application platform to submit their proposals.
- For the first stage, applicants must not include confidential documents or details.
- Geographic eligibility: Globally
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Scientific and technological research
- Biomanufacturing
- Microphysiological systems
- Green hydrogen
- Molecular discovery
Application Process
- Visit the official application website to review the research guidelines.
- Submit a project proposal for the initial stage and include non-confidential details by the deadline of 31 August 2025.
- The grant team evaluates submissions and notifies shortlisted applicants.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full, confidential proposals and participate in collaborative workshops with Merck scientists.
- The grant team will notify the applicants of the final selection and award notification.
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Required Materials
- Detailed research proposals
- Detailed project budget
- Proof of institutional affiliation or research institute
- Evidence of prior work or research track records
Key Dates
- Application deadline: August 31, 2026, at 23.59 Central European Summer Time
- Notification timeline: October 2026
Selection Notes
- The grant programme is competitive, with awards based on scientific merit and alignment with thematic priorities.
- Priority focus areas:
- Bioprocess innovation
- Molecular discovery
- AI-enabled research tools
- Sustainable technologies.
- Exclusions:
- Projects not aligned with defined research priorities.
- Applicants without the necessary affiliation.
Official Source of the Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant
- Official Application Page: https://www.merckgroup.com/en/research/open-innovation/research-grants.html