Who and How can apply?

The Merck research grants program is open to scientists in all career stages who are affiliated with any research-based institution, university or company. Applicants submit their application for the focus topics containing non-confidential information only.

You may apply for more than one grant or submit your application for more than one focus topic. If your application is successful, you are invited to submit a full proposal under confidentiality and join a deep-dive workshop with the other finalists. All applicants will be informed about the decision of the selection committee at the beginning of October.

Call scope

Inviting proposals to identify and characterize the next game-changing molecule or technology to help cure cancer or autoimmune disease. What are new breakthrough enabling technologies for drug discovery, e.g. single cell sequencing? Which molecular targets or pathophysiological pathways have untapped potential to deliver the next big therapeutic breakthrough? Where is upside potential for other indications e.g. in antiviral activity and pandemic preparedness? How can translation and predictivity of preclinical models to the clinical situation be enhanced, can quantitative methods (e.g. PK/PD, QSP, AI/ML) enable this? How can our evolving understanding of senescence and age-related changes be translated into drug discovery approaches?

Value notes

3 grants comprising 350,000 €/year for 3 years with the option of extension.

In case of interest, contact with FSJD Research Department.