Amplifying the Power of Women in Chemistry

Rhea-AI Summary

Merck & Co. highlights its commitment to empowering women in science through the WCC Merck Research Award. Co-founded by Dr. Rebecca Ruck in 2015, this award supports talented women graduate students in chemistry through mentorship and opportunities to present their research. Last year alone, approximately 120 applicants vied for the award, which fosters relationships between Merck and emerging scientists, ultimately leading to recruitment opportunities. The initiative showcases Merck's dedication to diversity, emphasizing the importance of early engagement in attracting diverse talent.

Positive

• Merck's WCC Research Award promotes diversity in science by mentoring women graduate students.
• Approximately 120 applications were received for the award last year, indicating strong interest.
• The program successfully recruited three of the 2022 award winners for future employment at Merck.
• The initiative builds long-term relationships between Merck and emerging chemists.

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• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 22, 2023 / Merck & Co., Inc.

For Dr. Rebecca Ruck, having more women in science is personal. She remembers times early in her career when she was the only woman in the room. That's why she co-founded the Merck Research Award, given annually by the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) of the American Chemical Society, to recognize and mentor talented women scientists in their third and fourth year of graduate school with a research focus in one or more chemistry-related disciplines.

For Merck, it's a chance to build relationships with promising chemists and introduce them to the work the company does.

"A key to attracting talent - especially diverse talent - is to build relationships early in people's careers so they become familiar with our science, our people and our values," said Ruck, an associate vice president in process research and development for Merck.

For the awardees, it's a chance to present their research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall National Meeting. They also receive a Merck mentor to prepare for their presentation at ACS and advise them on their career journey - an opportunity equally fulfilling for the mentors.

"That level of interaction with established chemists sets the program apart," said Anisha Patel, a director in analytical research and development, and lead of the program for Merck. "It's also a tremendous investment in diverse recruiting." Merck ultimately recruited three of the 2022 winners for future employment at the company.

Paying it forward for the next generation

When Ruck co-founded the award in 2015 along with Ann Weber, a former Merck chemist, she wanted to inspire the next generation of women in chemistry and build a community of scientists to support each other. Fast forward, and the WCC Merck Research Award fosters advancement for eight graduate students in chemistry annually. Last year, approximately 120 students applied.

One past honoree who's now a Merck colleague, Beryl Li, developed a long-term relationship with her mentor. "After I won, we would meet regularly," said Li, a senior scientist at the company's South San Francisco Discovery Center.

"My mentor was a significant factor in my decision to join Merck - and in my success at the company."

Beryl Li
Senior scientist

Those successes are also a reminder that every step forward matters. "There is still plenty of work needed to advance women - and all underrepresented groups - in science," Ruck said. "But thanks to initiatives like this one, we are making important progress."

Learn more about the WCC Merck Research Award.

Learn more about Merck's Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) approach by visiting merck.com/company-overview/esg.

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SOURCE: Merck & Co., Inc.

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FAQ

What is the WCC Merck Research Award?

The WCC Merck Research Award recognizes and mentors women graduate students in chemistry to promote diversity in the field.

How many applicants applied for the WCC Merck Research Award last year?

Last year, approximately 120 students applied for the WCC Merck Research Award.

What is Merck's commitment to women in science?

Merck is committed to empowering women in science through mentorship programs like the WCC Merck Research Award.

How many winners were recruited by Merck from the WCC Merck Research Award?

Merck successfully recruited three winners from the 2022 WCC Merck Research Award for future employment.