The Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2026 is now open for applications. This initiative aims to strengthen research capacity across Africa, with a continued focus on the role of scientific research in women’s health and reproductive care.
Organized with scientific support from the African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS) and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the MARS Awards seek to empower young African researchers and women researchers, promoting their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Award Categories
Applications are invited under the following categories:
- Best Young African Researcher
- Best African Woman Researcher
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be final-year PhD students, young investigators, or medical doctors in postgraduate fellowship programs
- Be primarily based at African research institutions or universities
- Be engaged in research related to:
- Women’s Health
- Infertility and Reproductive Care
Benefits
Winners of the MARS Awards will receive:
- A 3-month research training scholarship in India
- An opportunity to present their research findings at the MARS Summit
- Invitation to attend the Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary
- Access to networking and career development opportunities
About the Summit
The MARS Summit provides a platform for dialogue with key stakeholders, including Ministries of Health, Education, Science and Technology, and Gender across Africa. It aims to influence policy, promote innovation, and bridge the gap between research and practical healthcare solutions.
Application Details
- Deadline: 30th June 2026
- Submission: Applications and abstracts should be submitted via the Merck Foundation platform
- Email Contact: mars@merck-foundation.com
- Website: www.merck-foundation.com
For institutions and researchers committed to advancing healthcare through research, this is a valuable opportunity to gain recognition, build capacity, and contribute to impactful scientific work across Africa.
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