The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, has officially launched its 2026 application cycle, inviting visionaries across Africa and Asia to participate in its prestigious annual programs.
This initiative seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare and social awareness by leveraging the power of science, media, and the arts.
This year’s call for applications features a broad spectrum of categories, including the Africa Research Summit (MARS) and the popular Film, Song, and Fashion awards.
The 2026 themes are centred on two major pillars: the “Diabetes & Hypertension” awareness campaign and the “More Than a Mother” movement, which aims to break the stigma surrounding infertility.
Funding and benefits
Successful candidates for the foundation’s scholarship programs gain access to specialised training in “critically underserved” medical specialities.
These scholarships are offered both online and on-campus, designed to build healthcare capacity in regions where expert care is often unavailable.
Winners of the creative categories, spanning fashion design, filmmaking, and songwriting, receive significant pan-African and international recognition for their work.
These awards provide a high-profile platform for artists to showcase their talent while contributing to vital social causes.
For the scientific community, the Africa Research Summit (MARS) offers researchers a chance to join a global network of experts.
Participants have the opportunity to present their findings and potentially secure support for projects that address pressing health challenges in their home countries.
Application requirements and eligibility
Eligibility for the 2026 cycle is divided by professional sector, specifically targeting journalists, healthcare providers, and creative professionals.
The Media Recognition Awards, for instance, are open to journalists who have produced impactful stories related to diabetes, hypertension, or infertility.
Creative applicants in the film, song, and fashion categories must submit original works that align with the foundation’s mission to educate and sensitise communities.
The foundation is looking for innovative entries that can effectively communicate health messages to a wide audience.
Medical scholarship applicants are generally required to be practising professionals within public health systems.
Priority is often given to those working in underserved areas, ensuring that the advanced training they receive directly benefits the local patient population.
Prospective candidates must submit their applications through the foundation’s official digital library and application portal.
Applicants need to review the specific guidelines for their chosen category, as the requirements for a STEM scholarship differ from those for the Media Recognition Awards.
Deadline
While the Merck Foundation has opened the 2026 portal, specific closing dates vary by individual program and award category. Applicants are strongly urged to monitor the foundation’s official “Upcoming Programs & Calls For Applications” page to ensure they meet the final submission windows for the 2026 cycle.
To apply, visit The Merck Foundation, call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
