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About Merck Research Laboratories
Merck Research Laboratories (MRL), the research arm of Merck & Co., Inc. focused on discovering and developing therapies to improve patients’ lives, has expanded its discovery capabilities in South San Francisco (SSF) by opening a cutting-edge research facility. The new nine-story, multi-disciplinary discovery research hub, accommodates more than 300 scientists and support research spanning exploratory biology through early clinical development. The building was custom designed with an open atmosphere that encourages collaboration and team work. The site also boasts a large auditorium to provide space for nearby academics, scientists and entrepreneurs to convene and engage in scientific dialogue.
About the MRL SEEDS Program
The MRL 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.
The MRL SEEDS program was launched in 2020 with initial focus on Cardio/Renal/Metabolic/Ophthalmic diseases and platform technologies for the discovery and development of protein and antibody therapeutics.
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 March 31, 2025. 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.
At the discretion of Merck, MRL scientists will work closely with investigators to make available relevant capabilities and technologies that will enhance the success of the joint research program. As part of the proposal and workplan development process, scientists from MRL will engage with lead investigators to ensure expertise and capabilities of both parties are incorporated into the project plan as applicable. During the grant period, the investigator and MRL scientists will meet at least quarterly for updates. A final report is required and it is expected that part or all of the results generated during the collaboration are disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.
Please use the attached form to develop your Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) SEEDS program non-confidential pre-proposal and submit your completed form no later than 5:00 PM PT on March 31, 2025 to ONCOLOGYSEEDS@merck.com.
Who can apply?
MRL DO SEEDS program RFPs are open to researchers at the following universities: Stanford University, the University of California, San Francisco, the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, San Diego, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Master agreements have been put in place with these universities. At the discretion of the MRL DO SEEDS SRC, proposals by researchers from other academic institutions may be considered.
Why apply?
The MRL DO SEEDS program is an effort to jointly advance high-quality science. All proposals submitted will be reviewed for scientific merit, tractability and alignment with the published areas of interest. The strongest proposals with the most compelling cases to experimentally address areas relevant for the discovery and development of protein and antibody therapeutics will be considered for funding, collaboration and/or sharing of Merck's R&D capabilities.
Email Swapneeta Date, CTTC Assistant Director of Life Sciences Collaborations, at Swapneeta.Date@Vanderbilt.edu for more information.