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Description The Merck has launched its Stimulating Innovative Research Grant Program to encourage innovation in key areas that will shape the future. The available focus areas for 2026 include in-vitro models and assays to identify novel therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases, artificial intelligence in cell culture media and process development, innovative approaches to economical remediation of contaminated high-volume materials, condensate-based high-sensitivity cell-free screening assays for the modulation of protein–protein interactions, and advancing molecule synthesis and discovery through access to Synthia® Retrosynthesis Software, training, and scientific interaction. Grants of up to 500,000 EUR per year for a maximum duration of three years are available under the programme, with individual funding limits and project durations defined for each focus area. Applications are open to scientists at all career stages who are affiliated with research-based institutions, universities, or companies, and applicants may apply for more than one grant. The application process takes place in multiple stages, beginning with the submission of a non-confidential application. Proposals that pass the initial evaluation are invited to progress to the next stage, which involves submitting a full proposal under confidentiality and participating in a collaborative deep-dive workshop. All applicants are informed of the selection committee’s decision. Deep-dive workshops form a key collaborative phase of the programme, during which shortlisted teams work with Merck managers and scientists to jointly refine and optimise their project proposals. Finalists are informed in October, and workshops are scheduled for November and December 2026, concluding with the selection of grant recipients. The final stage involves the research grant funding phase, during which Merck enters into bilateral collaboration agreements with successful applicants to enable project initiation and funding disbursement. Throughout the funding period, grant recipients engage in regular interactions with Merck scientists, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on collaborative research and industry guidance.

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