Merck Serono highlights success of Innovation Cup scheme

Merck Serono has reported satisfaction with the success of its recent Innovation Cup scheme, which provided international students with opportunities to develop skills.

A one-week initiative launched earlier this year, the event saw 25 participants offered a chance to learn about issues pertaining to pharmaceutical industry research and development, including relevant entrepreneurial skills.

They were then challenged to put these ideas into practice by creating a new business plan in the area of protein engineering, one which would provide benefits for Merck Serono's operations.

A prize of 10,000 euros (8,700 pounds) and the Innovation Award trophy were ultimately presented to the winning team Chemo-Bioengineering by a grand jury including leading members of Merck Serono's management.

Dietmar Eidens, global head of human resources at the company, said: "We are pleased to have committed to such an opportunity to foster innovation and to build on today's talents for tomorrow's business."

Last month, Merck Serono presented grants to five innovative research programmes to support their work in the field of fertility.