Fostering the next generation of scientific leaders is a key part of Merck’s overall commitment to science: It is essential for the sustainability of our business to have access to the best-trained scientific minds globally, and it is essential for the economic development and well-being of the communities in which we operate.

Merck has a long history of promoting science education at the pre-college, undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels. We have provided long-term, sustained support for programs that expand capacity for training in biomedical and health sciences. Our support continues today through activities that are driven through public/private partnerships with local, regional and national partners; rely on evidence-based approaches to learning; and undergo rigorous evaluation.

Interest in science must be fostered at an early age, and every child can learn science, regardless of past experience, existing knowledge, or cultural and linguistic differences. Based on this belief, in 1993, Merck made a long-term commitment to improve science teaching in U.S. public schools with the establishment of the Merck Institute for Science Education (MISE). This step was motivated by a desire to improve the quality of science instruction through a more focused, proactive approach to education reform. Funded by The Merck Company Foundation, MISE has worked to improve science education and raise the levels of science performance for students from kindergarten through 12th grade for the past 16 years.

In 2005, the MISE portfolio expanded to include undergraduate- and graduate-level science education programs that work to build capacity in the biomedical sciences through partnerships with educational institutions and scientific organizations. This portfolio includes the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative, the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research Program, the Merck Internships for Excellence in Science at William & Jefferson University, the Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars Program (PDF), academic fellowship and research programs, and support for science museums.