The Merck Investigator Studies Program supports hypothesis-generating clinical and pre-clinical research that is initiated, designed and implemented by external investigators.
The program accepts three project types across several therapeutic areas: funding only, product (drug or vaccine) only, and both funding and product.
Each year, Merck releases its Areas of Interest for the program on its program website. Early-stage investigators and new investigators are encouraged to apply.
Research Development and Corporate and Foundation Relations at Penn State College of Medicine have developed this guide to help investigators at the College of Medicine navigate the Merck Investigator Studies Program.
Investigators considering a submission to the program are strongly encouraged to work with Corporate and Foundation Relations as early in the process as possible. As stewards of Penn State’s relationship with Merck, Corporate and Foundation Relations will facilitate connecting each principal investigator with Merck’s Regional Medical Scientific Director for their respective therapeutic area.
Investigators with an idea for the program should email Corporate and Foundation Relations at COM_CFR@pennstatehealth.psu.edu before beginning the proposal development process.