The Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) Scientific Engagement and Emerging Discovery Science (SEEDS) program is an initiative seeking research collaborations with academic researchers to advance the most innovative discoveries for therapeutic targets, pathways and technologies. The MRL SEEDS program and subsequent collaborations underscore the importance of industry and academic interactions in the early discovery space.
As a first step in a potential collaboration, ideas for proposed projects should be submitted for evaluation by the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) comprised of scientists from Discovery Oncology (DO). Ideas are to be submitted in the form of a brief proposal form by May 22, 2023. Proposals will be evaluated by the MRL DO SEEDS Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and may be selected for awarding a 1-year research grant (up to $125,000 USD in direct costs plus institutional indirect costs). The 1-year grant can potentially be extended at the discretion of the MRL DO SEEDS SRC.
Program Highlights:
- Award winning proposals will receive $125,000 research funding including institutional direct and indirect costs for 12 months
- Potential opportunity to extend the grant
- Awardees will have access to Merck R&D expertise and guidance
Eligibility & Application Instructions:
- Principal investigators and Faculty (PI) employed by invited institutions are eligible to apply
- Post-doctoral fellows and graduate students are not eligible to apply
- An applicant can submit multiple pre-proposals
- Past applicants are encouraged to reapply
- Pre-proposals must provide objectives and work-plan achievable within 12 months
- Pre-proposals must be submitted using the provided template
For anyone interested in applying for Merck SEEDS program, please contact Swapneeta Date, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Life Sciences Collaborations.
Submission deadline to CTTC: May 21st 2023.
