Heinrich Emanuel Merck Award for Innovations in Advanced Computing
The Heinrich Emanuel Merck Award for Innovations in Advanced Computing recognizes researchers’ work in advanced computing, from foundation models to robotics, that can enable scientific discovery for humanity.
Funder: Merck KGaA (EMD Group)
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: €30,000 prize
Summary: Recognizes advanced computing research that enables scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity.
Key Information: Healthcare professionals and members of healthcare organizations are ineligible.
Description
The Heinrich Emanuel Merck Award, presented by Merck KGaA (EMD Group), recognizes excellence in research and innovation in advanced computing. Its focus spans foundation models, novel architectures, intelligent robotics, and next-generation computing platforms that can enable scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity. The award is biennial and considers the quality of applicants’ previous research results.
Established in 1988 to honor advances in analytical chemistry, the award shifted to advanced computing in 2025. That year, Alán Aspuru-Guzik was recognized for work combining artificial intelligence, high-throughput quantum chemistry, and robotics to discover advanced materials.
