Merck Foundation Awards 1,195 Scholarships to Women in Science
Merck Foundation has provided 1,195 scholarships to women healthcare providers as part of its wider effort to empower women in science and close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as Africa marked the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026.
The initiative was commemorated jointly with the First Ladies of Africa and key partners, including African ministries of Health, Education, Gender and Information, as well as academic institutions, through Merck Foundation’s Scholarship Programme, MARS Awards and Educating Linda Programme.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has to date awarded more than 2,500 scholarships to healthcare professionals from 52 countries across 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, with nearly half of the scholarships benefiting women medical graduates.
Speaking during the commemoration, Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in science and healthcare.
“As we mark the International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2026, we reaffirm Merck Foundation’s strong commitment to empowering women in science and technology. Through our scholarship programmes and the MARS Awards, we continue to support African women healthcare providers and recognise outstanding women scientists in STEM,” Dr Kelej said.
She described the near-parity in scholarship allocation as a major milestone in addressing gender inequality in science, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in scientific and technological fields despite global progress.
In addition to scholarships, Merck Foundation annually launches the Merck Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards, which recognise and empower the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers. The awards aim to strengthen research capacity, promote scientific excellence and advance African-led research, with more than 90 researchers recognised so far.
Recently, Dr Kelej hosted the MARS 2025 Award Ceremony in partnership with the Africa Reproductive Care Society and Manipal University, with a special focus on the role of scientific research in women’s health, reproductive and fertility care. She also announced the call for applications for the MARS Awards 2026.
Beyond higher education, Merck Foundation continues to invest in girl-child education through its Educating Linda Programme. According to Dr Kelej, more than 1,200 annual scholarships have been provided to underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their education and realise their potential.
The Foundation also runs creative awareness campaigns to promote girls’ education, including children’s storybooks, animation films, music and television programming through Our Africa by Merck Foundation.
Merck Foundation maintains that education is a cornerstone of women’s empowerment and a critical driver of sustainable development across Africa.
