MSD to present women in chemistry scholarships

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has announced the winner of its annual Women in Chemistry Scholarship programme from the Merck Index.

Now in its second year, the scheme aims to support women who choose to follow a career in synthetic organic or medicinal chemistry.

The five award winners are Karen Brown of Harvey Mudd College, Sarah Goforth of Furman University, Sandra M King of Grinnell College, Chawita Netirojjanakul at MIT and Amy Tremblay at Carleton University.

Each will present their undergraduate research at the symposium of the American Chemical Society being held in Philadelphia and will also receive a $5,000 scholarship (2,700 pounds).

The deadline for next year’s awards is March 15th 2009, with application forms and detailed criteria available from the company.

Maryadele J O’Neil, editor of the Merck Index, said: “We are pleased to be role models for these exceptional young women.”

She added the scholarship programme allows the company to encourage these women in a tangible way and underlines the company’s dedication to excellence in education and science as well as diversity in the workplace.

Last month, MSD announced its second-quarter financial results for the 2008 fiscal year, with the company generating sales of $6.1 billion during the period, a one per cent drop on the same time last year.