MERIT has supported 30 scientists from across the globe who have joined research and development activities within innovation organisations in the Central Bohemian Region.
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MERIT
MERIT (Mobility Programme for Excellence in Research, Innovation and Technology) is an international programme of the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre (SIC). Its goal is to transfer international knowledge and experience to research centres and companies in the Central Bohemian Region, while strengthening the region’s international reputation. In total, the programme has supported 30 selected scientists from around the world.
30 Talented Researchers
Innovation Areas
The programme focuses on biotechnology and biomedicine, laser and space technologies, sustainable energy, advanced materials, and digitalisation.
International Cooperation
The programme aims not only to ensure a real impact of research on industry and society, but also to increase the attractiveness of the Central Bohemian Region for international researchers and to foster new intersectoral and international collaborations.
About the MERIT Programme
MERIT was launched on 1 January 2023 and is co-funded by the prestigious European Commission grant Horizon Europe – MSCA-COFUND. SIC became only the second recipient of this grant in the history of the Czech Republic. The programme is further co-financed by the Central Bohemian Region and the participating research centres.
A total of 19 research organisations from the Central Bohemian Region and more than 40 additional partners from companies and universities have joined the MERIT programme.
SIC as the Main Coordinator
The Central Bohemian Innovation Centre manages the funding and organisation of the programme and coordinates the selection of the most suitable candidates.
Employment Contracts and Secondments
Selected researchers receive employment contracts of up to 2.5 years at research centres and undertake secondments in companies or at international universities.
MERIT Educational Academy
The programme includes 11 workshops focused on science commercialisation. The courses are open to all interested participants from the involved centres.
Participating Organisations
Research centres (19 organisations in total), including:
ELI Beamlines, HiLASE, Czech Technical University – University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (CTU), National Institute of Mental Health, Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, several institutes of the BIOCEV biomedical and biotechnological centre, and others.
Large companies:
EATON Development Centre
Small and medium-sized enterprises:
DEVINN (hydrogen mobility solutions)
International universities:
Among others, the prestigious University of Washington has joined the MERIT programme.
LASER PRO
The LASER PRO project develops a comprehensive laser innovation ecosystem that connects academia, industry, government, and society. The consortium, led by HiLASE and FTMC, represents a balanced combination of research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, innovation agencies, and public bodies from three countries — the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
EDIH – Brain4Industry
Brain4Industry is a science–industry consortium supporting the transformation of Czech industry through digitalisation, additive manufacturing technologies, and artificial intelligence.