Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit - MARS 2025 will have scientific support from African Union Scientific-Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC); African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). 

The summit will be a unique opportunity for the winners of a MARS Research Awards to share their research output and findings. It is also an opportunity for networking and career development. The Summit opens a discussion with Ministries of Health, Education, Information, Science and Technology and Gender from across Africa, to define policies with the aim to empower women and youth in STEM and to address the vital role of research in the improvement and sustainable development of healthcare system, with a specific emphasis on how to translate knowledge into action - the 'know-do gap' - to improve health and make an impact on society. 

The summit will be a unique opportunity for the winners of a MARS Research Awards to share their research output and findings. It is also an opportunity for networking and career development.

Benefits of Merck Foundation Research

The Winners receive a 3 months Research Training scholarship in India

Winners will be Invited to attend Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025

Requirements for Merck Foundation Research

Abstracts are invited from final year PhD students, young investigators involved in research and Medical Doctors in Postgraduate Medical Fellowship program related to either of the following topics:

Women Health

Infertility and Reproductive Care

Entries are invited under the below categories:

 Best African Women Researchers

 Best Young African Researcher

All applicants should be primarily based at African Research Institutes and Universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is also welcome.

Application Deadline

June 30, 2025

How to Apply

Submit Your Application and Abstract to [email protected]