The demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) continues to rise. Projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that STEM occupations will grow by 10.4% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the 4.0% growth rate for all occupations. Thus, early exposure to STEM education plays a crucial role in shaping students’ interests and aspirations in these areas.

Understanding the importance of nurturing future innovators, MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is committed to fostering curiosity and providing access to science education through its Curiosity Labs™ program—now featuring a new lesson focused on the role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in drug discovery.

A standout feature of the new “AI in Drug Discovery” lesson is its hands-on experiment, where students use 3D-printed models to understand how AI aids drug discovery. Similar to how the company’s AI-powered AIDDISON™ platform matches shapes and colors of molecules with potential target proteins, students will create a drug candidate molecule out of 3D-printed building blocks and then match it to a target protein model. This interactive approach provides students with a tangible understanding of how AI can simplify the complex process of developing new medications.

All Curiosity Labs™ lessons are developed in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, a global leader in applied research, through its Institute for School Partnership, with input by the company’s subject matter experts and in alignment to the Next Generation Science Standards. Offering lessons both at schools and on-site at the company’s facilities, the program is of no cost to participating schools. The company provides all the necessary materials and equipment for its trained employee volunteers to facilitate the Curiosity Labs™ lessons.

“With Curiosity Labs™, we believe that sparking curiosity early can change a student’s entire trajectory in STEM,” said Maite Nogales, Global Curiosity Labs™ Lead, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Our hands-on approach allows students to see themselves as scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators, regardless of their background. By making complex scientific concepts like AI more accessible and engaging, we hope to break down barriers that often deter students from pursuing STEM careers. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students light up when they make connections between what they’re learning and the real-world impact of science.”

Educators and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the company’s Curiosity Labs™ webpage or email curiositylabs@milliporesigma.com to learn more about how the program educates and inspires students to consider pursuing a career in STEM.

MilliporeSigma

MilliporeSigma

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The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 26,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.  

Around 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com.

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