Summary
The Merck International Research Scholarship 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for international scientists and researchers at any career stage to undertake challenging, future-oriented research projects. Funded by Merck, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, this program provides substantial financial support over three years to foster innovation in critical scientific fields.
- 🎓 Merck International Research Scholarship 2026 invites international researchers and scientists to apply for research grants in Germany for the academic session 2026/27.
- 🌍 Eligibility: Open to researchers of all nationalities affiliated with research-based universities or institutions at any career stage.
- 💰 Funding Benefits: Selected candidates can receive research funding of €100,000 to €500,000 per year for up to 3 years.
- 🏢 Scholarship Provider: The award is funded by Merck, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies established in Germany in 1668.
- 🔬 Research Areas: Grants support innovative future-focused projects, including:
- 🧬 Molecular glue degraders and protein-protein interaction stabilizers (up to €100,000/year for 3 years)
- 🤖 Augmented Reality Digital Twin research (up to €120,000 for 1 year)
- 💊 AI-driven Drug Discovery with AIDDISON software licenses
- 📚 Qualification Requirements: Applicants must hold a master’s degree from a recognized university and demonstrate English language proficiency in written and spoken communication.
- 📄 Application Process: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal and participate in a deep-dive workshop with finalists.
- 📅 Application Deadline: The last date to apply for the Merck International Research Scholarship 2026 is 31 August 2026.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Provided by | Merck |
| Designation / Degree Level | Research / Scientist |
| Scholarship Coverage | Up to 500,000 EUR / Year |
| Eligible Nationality | All Nationalities (Open Worldwide) |
| Award Country | Germany |
| Last Date to Apply | August 31, 2026 |
Research Areas
Selected applicants will focus on one of the following highly specialized research fields:
- Discovery strategies for molecular glue degraders and other protein-protein-interaction stabilizers: 1 grant comprising up to 100,000 €/year for up to 3 years (with potential further collaboration).
- Augmented Reality Digital Twin: 1 grant comprising up to 120,000 €/year for 1 year (with potential further collaboration).
- AI-Driven Drug Discovery: Up to 3 grants comprising AIDDISON software licenses for one year (with potential further collaboration).
Location
- Germany (Affiliated with Merck)
Eligibility & Qualification
- Nationality: Open to international students and scientists from any part of the world.
- Career Stage: Open to scientists at any career stage affiliated with any research-based university or institution.
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree from a recognized university.
- Language Requirement: Proof of English Language Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.
Job Description / Financial Benefits
- Funding Amount: Successful candidates will receive between 100,000 EUR to 500,000 EUR per year depending on the specific research project.
- Duration: Funded for up to 3 years.
- Additional Support: Merck provides flexibility to adapt to individual priorities, offering support for needs such as child or elderly care, alongside exclusive retail and travel discounts.
- Expectations: Finalists will be invited to submit a full research proposal and participate in a deep-dive workshop with other scientists.
How to Apply
- Navigate to the Merck Online Application System via the official portal link on the Bright Scholarship Page.
- If you are a first-time visitor, click on “Register” to create an account using a valid email address.
- Verify your registration via the confirmation link sent to your email.
- Log in, complete the application form, and upload the required preliminary documents.
Last Date for Apply
- August 31, 2026
