Merck Supports Next Generation of Scientists at USA Science & Engineering Festival

• Scientists seek to spark curiosity among festival attendees
• 350,000 K-12 students and families expected to attend

Darmstadt, Germany, and Washington D.C., U.S., April 14, 2016 — Merck, a leading science and technology company which operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials in the United States and Canada, today announced that it is participating in the 4th USA Science & Engineering Festival (USASEF), April 16-17, 2016 in Washington D.C. The festival is the largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) gathering in the United States, bringing together more than 350,000 K-12 students and parents, as well as more than 5,000 teachers and 3,000 professionals.

“The USA Science & Engineering Festival aligns with our company’s commitment to furthering STEM education and igniting a passion for science in the next generation of innovators,” said Gary Zieziula, President and Managing Director of EMD Serono, which is Merck’s North America biopharma business. “Our participation in the festival is just one example of how we are providing hands-on learning to students of all ages to spur curiosity and innovation.”

Researchers representing the company’s three businesses - healthcare, life science, and performance materials - will guide festival participants through experiments that are at the heart of their work in the laboratory and illustrate important societal challenges:

• Scientists from EMD Serono will lead an experiment to extract DNA from plants and discuss how molecular genetics and biotechnology are underpinning innovation in healthcare, such as biomarker testing for cancer therapies.
• Scientists from Merck will lead an experiment on pH testing and discuss the difference between acids and bases.
• Scientists from EMD Performance Materials will lead an experiment demonstrating the protective qualities of organic and inorganic sun filter materials against UV rays, and discuss the importance of sun protection

The company has a long tradition of supporting cultural and educational programs around the world and fostering an interest in science. It’s Smarter Together in the Classroom program provides public schools in Massachusetts as well as St. Louis, Missouri, with critical funding for projects that explore pressing scientific questions. In addition, Merck’s SPARK global skills-based volunteer program provides volunteer opportunities for its network of employees, with a focus on science education.

For a hands-on look at experiments used in real-world applications and to learn more about Merck, please visit Booth 715 in Exhibit Hall A.

About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck generated sales of €12.85 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.