Merck Research Grants 2026

Overview

#

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has run its Research Grants program since 2018 to stimulate innovative research in areas that will shape the future. The 2026 call is open to scientists at all career stages affiliated with any research-based institution, university, or company, and offers grants of up to 250,000 EUR per year in five topic areas. The submission deadline is 31 August 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Focus Areas

#

• In-vitro models and assays to identify novel therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases (up to 250,000 EUR per year for up to 2 years)
• Artificial intelligence in cell culture media and process development (up to 150,000 EUR per year for up to 3 years)
• Innovative approaches to economical remediation of contaminated high volume materials (up to 150,000 EUR per year for up to 2 years)
• Condensate-based high-sensitivity cell-free screening assays for the modulation of protein-protein interactions (up to 100,000 EUR per year for up to 3 years)
• Advancing molecule synthesis and discovery with SYNTHIA Retrosynthesis Software (up to 3 grants with a 1-year software license)

Benefits

#

• Research grant funding of up to 250,000 EUR per year depending on the topic
• Deep-dive workshops where finalists optimize their proposal together with Merck managers and scientists
• Bilateral collaboration agreements and regular meetings with Merck scientists during the funding period
• Possibility of further collaboration beyond the grant

How to Apply

#

• Register on the online submissions portal and submit a non-confidential application for one or more 2026 topics by 31 August 2026; shortlisted applicants submit a full proposal under confidentiality and join a deep-dive workshop.