Merck Research Grants 2026: Up to €500,000 per Year for Innovative Scientific Research

Applications are now open for the Merck Research Grants 2026 programme, a global research funding initiative designed to support innovative scientific research with strong potential for future impact and industry collaboration.

Since 2018, Merck has awarded research grants to scientists and research teams working on breakthrough solutions across emerging scientific and technological fields. For the 2026 funding cycle, grants are available across five strategic research areas, with funding of up to €500,000 per year available depending on the topic.

The programme is open to researchers at all career stages and offers not only financial support but also the opportunity to collaborate closely with Merck scientists through a structured research partnership model.

Successful applicants will progress through a multi-stage evaluation process, including proposal reviews, confidential full submissions, and collaborative Deep Dive Workshops where finalists work directly with Merck experts to refine their research concepts.

Funding Available

Funding varies depending on the research topic:

1. In-vitro Models and Assays for Neuroinflammatory Diseases

• One grant available
• Up to €250,000 per year
• Funding period: Up to 2 years

2. Artificial Intelligence in Cell Culture Media and Process Development

• One grant available
• Up to €150,000 per year
• Funding period: Up to 3 years

3. Economical Remediation of Contaminated High-Volume Materials

• One grant available
• Up to €150,000 per year
• Funding period: Up to 2 years

4. Condensate-Based High-Sensitivity Cell-Free Screening Assays

• One grant available
• Up to €100,000 per year
• Funding period: Up to 3 years

5. Advancing Molecule Synthesis and Discovery

• Up to three grants available
• Includes:
  • One-year full SYNTHIA® Retrosynthesis Software license
  • Technical training
  • Scientific collaboration with Merck researchers

Research Areas

Neuroinflammatory Disease Research

Development of predictive in-vitro models to identify and optimise novel therapies for neuroinflammatory diseases, including Parkinson’s disease.

Focus areas include:

• Human-centred disease models
• Neuroimmune interactions
• Microglial-neuronal crosstalk
• Inflammatory response analysis
• Drug discovery and screening

Artificial Intelligence in Bioprocess Development

Research focused on applying AI, mechanistic modelling, and hybrid approaches to optimise cell culture media and bioprocess development.

Areas include:

• Mammalian cell culture optimisation
• Biopharmaceutical manufacturing
• Vaccine production
• Cell and gene therapy manufacturing
• Process efficiency and sustainability

Environmental Remediation Technologies

Innovative approaches for remediation of contaminated soils, groundwater, and wastewater, particularly involving chloro-organic pollutants and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH).

Areas include:

• Environmental restoration
• Sustainable remediation
• Water treatment
• Soil rehabilitation
• Circular economy solutions

Cell-Free Screening Assays

Development of advanced condensate-inspired screening technologies for studying and modulating protein-protein interactions (PPIs).

Areas include:

• Drug discovery
• Molecular glue technologies
• Protein interaction analysis
• Cell-free assay development

Molecule Synthesis and Discovery

Research projects focused on:

• Organic synthesis
• Novel molecule development
• Structure-activity relationship studies
• Chemical library design
• Synthetic route optimisation using SYNTHIA®

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

• Academic researchers
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Principal investigators
• Research groups
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Public research organisations
• Private research organisations
• Research-focused companies

Researchers from all career stages are encouraged to apply.

Eligible Countries

The Merck Research Grants programme is a global initiative.

Applications are accepted from researchers affiliated with:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Research-focused companies

worldwide.

Eligible applicants may come from:

• Africa
• Europe
• Asia
• North America
• South America
• Oceania
• Middle East

There are no country-specific restrictions indicated for the 2026 programme.

Application Process

Stage 1: Initial Submission

Applicants submit:

• Project title
• Non-confidential abstract
• Research proposal summary
• Project team information
• Optional supporting documents and graphics

Only non-confidential information should be submitted during the first stage.

Stage 2: Full Proposal & Deep Dive Workshop

Selected applicants will:

• Submit a confidential full proposal
• Participate in collaborative Deep Dive Workshops with Merck scientists
• Refine and strengthen their proposed research project

Stage 3: Grant Award & Collaboration

Successful applicants enter into a research collaboration agreement with Merck and begin project implementation.

Throughout the project, awardees will engage in regular scientific meetings with Merck researchers.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific innovation
• Commercial potential
• Strategic alignment
• Probability of success
• Strength of the project team
• Long-term impact
• Sustainability beyond the funding period

Key Dates

Application Deadline:
31 August 2026 (23:59 Central European Summer Time)

Finalists Notified:
October 2026

Deep Dive Workshops:
November–December 2026

Funding & Project Start:
Following completion of collaboration agreements with Merck

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