Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC)

The Middle East Regional Cooperation (MERC) Program aims to promote scientific cooperation, technology-led development, and capacity building between partners in Israel and eligible countries/territories in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program supports applied scientific research and technical exchanges in various fields, including natural, physical, and social sciences and engineering. The program has a special interest in proposals aligned with supporting MENA region food security. Key aspects of the program include: • Applied research grants for multi-year, cooperative research projects • Continuation grants for extension of existing or recently ended applied research grants • Travel and workshop grants for joint cooperative workshops, meetings, or exchange of researchers • Emphasis on training, outreach, and dissemination of research results • Requirement for strong, direct cooperation between Israel and eligible MENA partners • Encouragement of cost sharing from institutions in Israel and other affluent countries to support participation of students and research staff from less economically advantaged countries.