UNU-MERIT is a research and training institute of United Nations University (UNU) and Maastricht University (UM), based in southeast Netherlands.

UNU-MERIT explores the social, political and economic factors that drive technological innovation, with a particular focus on creation, diffusion and access to knowledge.

Following the integration of the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance in December 2010, the centre now covers all aspects of governance in domestic and global organizations, from risk assessment to policy analysis, design and evaluation.

In its enlarged form UNU-MERIT functions as a unique research centre and graduate school for over 80 PhD fellows and 100 Master’s students, and as a UN think tank addressing a broad range of policy questions on science, innovation and democratic governance.

UNU-MERIT offers a four-year PhD in Public Policy, Innovation & Development and a one-year Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development.