What is the Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI)?

The Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI) is an initiative funded by EMD Serono, a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, to further understanding in the fertility area, including, but not limited to, gamete function, embryo development and endometrial function related to implantation. Investigators leading innovative research projects, who have the potential to advance science and innovative technologies in the fertility field, are invited to apply. The selection of the GFI awards is based on the goal that research projects should demonstrate innovation and relevance to real-world practice for the benefit of couples seeking fertility assistance. A total, annual grant of up to €1,000,000 will be shared by a number of selected projects.

Research proposals with budgets of up to €150,000 will be considered.

Since 2010, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has awarded grants that total up to €12 million to translational research projects in a number of fields. The GFI was launched at the 25th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in June 2009. The GFI supports the advancement of science and innovative technologies in the fertility field that could potentially improve take home baby rate for the benefits of patients. Over the last eight years, more than 900 grant applications from over 50 countries have been received and reviewed. Grant applications are reviewed by the GFI Scientific Steering Committee.