Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation CEO./Photo Courtesy
The Merck Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, offering an opportunity for women and youth researchers across Africa to strengthen their scientific skills and contribute to the continent’s healthcare and STEM sectors.
The initiative aims to build research capacity in areas critical to women’s health, reproductive care, and innovation, while promoting local scientific leadership.
The awards form part of the foundation’s broader efforts to empower African scientists and address health challenges through locally generated research.
The 2026 summit is supported scientifically by the African Union Scientific, Technical and Research Commission (AU‑STRC), the African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), ensuring both academic rigor and practical relevance.
Award Categories and Benefits
Applications are invited from final-year PhD students, young investigators, and postgraduate medical fellowship doctors whose research aligns with the thematic focus of women’s health, infertility, and reproductive care. Two award categories are offered: Best Young African Researcher and Best African Woman Researcher.
Winners will receive three months of research training in India, gaining international exposure and mentoring, and will be invited to participate in the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.
This provides networking opportunities with global experts, policymakers, and fellow researchers, while showcasing African-led innovations to an international audience.
Eligibility and Submission Details
The awards are open to researchers primarily based at African institutions, although collaborations with partners outside the continent are encouraged.
The programme is designed to promote research that translates into practical solutions, addressing critical gaps in healthcare delivery and policy development.
Applicants are required to submit a research abstract by 30 June 2026, demonstrating both scientific rigor and relevance to the thematic areas.
Why It Matters
The MARS Awards support the Merck Foundation’s mission to strengthen healthcare research and capacity in Africa, particularly in fields that have historically been under-resourced.
By focusing on women’s health and reproductive care, the programme not only addresses pressing healthcare challenges but also encourages gender equity and youth engagement in science.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and actionable healthcare solutions, fostering locally generated evidence to guide policy and improve health outcomes.
The summit also provides a platform for policy dialogue, bringing together government ministries responsible for health, education, science and technology, and gender affairs from across Africa.
By connecting researchers with policymakers, the programme aims to ensure that scientific findings influence national strategies and contribute to stronger, more sustainable health systems.
For more information, visit Merck Foundation
About the Merck Foundation
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, is committed to advancing health and well-being worldwide through programs that expand access to healthcare, build professional capacity, and support community-led initiatives.
Since its establishment, the foundation has invested in programmes that empower local professionals, improve healthcare delivery, and strengthen scientific research across Africa and other regions.
The MARS Awards represent a continuation of this commitment, providing young and women researchers with the tools, mentorship, and global exposure needed to advance African-led science and innovation.
Help us tell more untold stories of African Philanthropy!
