The Merck-Purdue Center for Measurement Science supports collaborative projects by assembling cross-institutional teams to tackle problems of strategic importance to both Merck and Purdue investigators. This public/private partnership brings tools at the forefront of measurement science to bear on some of the most important problems facing development and delivery of life-saving medications. A central focus is on pre-competitive characterization of model and non-proprietary systems to promote industry-wide advances.

A master research agreement between Merck and Purdue was finalized in February 2017, allowing for initiation of new projects as soon as collaborative teams are identified. Under the most commonly adopted terms of the master agreement, Purdue retains the intellectual property rights on any discoveries made or tools developed, with Merck retaining the non-exclusive rights to practice. Typical research projects are $50,000 over 12 months. Students and post-doctoral associates involved in projects directly interact with Merck research counterparts through monthly web conferences and by presenting their results at a symposium at Merck, providing practical experience in the challenges industry faces in measurement science.