Scholarships Future

The Merck Research Grant 2025 offers substantial funding of up to €500,000 per year for up to three years, aiming to stimulate innovative research in areas of future significance. This grant is open to scientists at all career stages who are affiliated with any research-based institution, university, or company worldwide. Merck Research Grant is not limited to specific universities or institutions in Germany. The application deadline is August 31, 2025.

  • Smart Consumables in Biomanufacturing: Up to €120,000 per year for three years with potential further collaboration.
  • Multi-Purpose Microphysiological Systems: Funding is negotiated case by case.

In 2025, the grant focuses on the following research areas:

  • Smart Consumables for Digital Integration in Biomanufacturing Processes: This area seeks to develop digital downstream consumables, such as filters and chromatography media, to enhance process efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Multi-Purpose Microphysiological Systems (MPS): This focus aims to advance human-based MPS to improve drug safety and efficacy while reducing animal testing. Priority areas include cardiac, brain (blood-brain barrier), and lung models, AI-driven MPS, and disease modeling for oncology and neuroinflammation
  • Funding: Grants of up to €500,000 per year for up to three years, depending on the project’s scope and field.
  • Collaboration: Opportunity to work with Merck’s scientists and receive guidance from industry expert
  • The grant does not cover personal living expenses, accommodation, or travel costs unrelated to the research project.
  • Age Requirement:18 years or older at the time of application.
  • Who Can Apply: Individuals or teams from research institutions, universities, or companies.
  • Healthcare Professionals & Organizations: Must follow healthcare compliance rules.
  • Who Cannot Apply:
    • Employees of Merck (Sponsor) and its affiliates.
    • Employees restricted by their employer’s policies.
    • Individuals affected by legal or sanction restrictions.
  • Legal Responsibility: Applicants must ensure they are eligible to participate and accept the grant.
  • Team Applications: The team representative must have consent from all members to apply.
  • Research proposal detailing objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant research experience and achievements.
  • Proof of affiliation with a research-based institution, university, or company.
  1. Submit a non-confidential application (can apply for multiple grants).
  2. Shortlisted candidates join a deep-dive workshop in November 2025 to refine proposals with Merck scientists.
  3. Winners receive funding and enter a collaboration agreement with Merck, with ongoing project support.
  • Ensure your research proposal aligns with the specified focus areas for 2025.
  • Highlight the innovativeness and potential impact of your research.
  • Clearly define objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  • Accommodation: €300 – €700 (varies by city and type)
  • Food & Groceries: €150 – €300
  • Health Insurance: €110 – €150
  • Transportation: €50 – €100 (public transport/student pass)
  • Internet & Phone: €30 – €50
  • Utilities (if not included in rent): €100 – €200
  • Leisure & Personal Expenses: €50 – €150
  • Total Estimated Cost: €800 – €1,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location

This grant provides substantial funding and the chance to collaborate with a leading global science and technology company, enhancing your research’s impact and visibility.

  1. Who can apply for the Merck Research Grant 2025?
    • Scientists at all career stages affiliated with any research-based institution, university, or company worldwide are eligible to apply.
  2. What are the focus areas for the 2025 grant?
    • The 2025 grant focuses on Smart Consumables for Digital Integration in Biomanufacturing Processes and Multi-Purpose Microphysiological Systems.
  3. What is the application deadline?
    • The application deadline is August 31, 2025.
  4. How much funding is available?
    • Grants of up to €500,000 per year for up to three years are available, depending on the project’s scope and field.
  5. What is the application process?
    • Applicants submit a non-confidential proposal online. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a deep-dive workshop to refine proposals. Winners enter into collaboration agreements with Merck to commence funding and project execution.

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