The Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholar Program has awarded more than $350,000 in grants to 19 U.S. veterinary schools for the year 2003, supporting innovative student research in veterinary schools across the country.

The grants represent a significant contribution from The Merck Company Foundation in support of Merial, a world-leading animal health company, and Merck & Co. Inc, a leading global healthcare company, to advance biomedical research.

"At the heart of Merial's innovative spirit is a drive to inspire important advancements in veterinary medicine," said Dr. Kevin Schultz, Merial animal health Management Committee member and head of worldwide research and development. "These grants go beyond funding student research for the next generation of veterinarians -- they fund opportunities to inspire the next generation of discoveries."

The grants support a variety of summer programs at the different schools designed to enrich veterinary students' exposure and experience in biomedical research. In addition, students and faculty from these veterinary schools recently met at Kansas State University for a three-day symposium to share ideas and learn about each other's research. At the symposium, 120 research papers were presented and discussed, representing diverse topics ranging from basic to applied science.

Since 1999, The Merck-Merial Veterinary Scholar Program has contributed nearly $2 million to support projects promoting research at veterinary schools. Grants of up to $20,000 are awarded to schools with programs that provide a research experience for talented veterinary students.

"The veterinary scholar program has been very successful in addressing a central mission of the Merck Foundation to foster education and research in the biomedical sciences," said Dr. Gerry Hickey, senior director of Merck Research Laboratories.