Merck Serono launches 2014 Innovation Cup scheme

Merck Serono has announced the launch of its 2014 Innovation Cup scheme, which takes place for the fourth time this year.

This worldwide initiative is aimed at graduate students and postdocs, offering 30 selected participants the opportunity to attend a one-week summer training camp and get acquainted with the basics of pharmaceutical industry research and development.

Held in Darmstadt, Germany, the camp sees participants developing ideas for new innovations in various fields of medicine, before refining them into concrete project plans with expert assistance. The team with the best plan will win a 10,000 euro (8,270 pounds) prize.

Applications can be submitted from now until March 15th 2014 by future scientists from all universities worldwide.

The company said: "With this initiative, Merck Serono wants to promote the personal development of postgraduates who have the potential to become the top researchers or managers of tomorrow."

Last month, the firm closed applications for its Grant for Growth Innovation scheme, which it uses to support research in the field of human growth. The winning candidates will be named later this year.