Networking funding for interdisciplinary research collaboration

COST Open Call 2026 - Collection Date: 28 October 2026 
Read the COST Open Call Announcement and the new Proposer Guidelines for submission to OC-2026-01. Submission via eCOST is open 31 July until 28 October 2026, 12:00 noon (Brussels time). 

An FFG Academy online training on COST proposal writing “Mastering the COST application process” will be held on 9 JuneRegister now!

The COST Info Day, organized by the COST Association will take place on 16 June 2026. Registration is open; participation is also possible via live stream!

COST enables the creation and development of research networks, known as COST Actions. These networks are thematically open and bring together researchers across disciplines, sectors, and countries, with a strong emphasis on inclusiveness. They facilitate knowledge exchange, improve coordination of research activities, and support the dissemination of results.

Funding is provided exclusively for networking activities—such as working group meetings, training schools, short-term scientific missions, and dissemination. Resources for personnel and research itself must be secured from other sources.

Opportunities to Participate

COST Actions are dynamic, evolving networks, and joining them—even after they have started—is straightforward. Each country can nominate up to two experts to the Management Committee, the steering committee of a COST Action. COST also offers valuable opportunities for young researchers and innovators to develop skills and build the foundations of their careers.

Funded by the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, COST is one of the longest-running intergovernmental initiatives supporting research collaboration in Europe and a key contributor to the European Research Area (ERA).

Proposal check

Make the most of our free Proposal Check! Book your appointment before 1 September 2026 by sending an email to [email protected].

The essential in brief

Target group
Competence centresLarge companiesResearch facilitiesSingle researchersSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)Start UpUniversitiesUniversities of applied sciences

Contact

OBERTHALER Pauline

Pauline OBERTHALER

COST National Coordinator
+43 577 55-4110 E-Mail
REISENAUER Gudrun

Gudrun REISENAUER

COST Administration & Nominations
+43 577 55-4111 E-Mail

About the FFG

The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) is the national funding institution for industry-related research and development in Austria. FFG funding plays a key role in generating new knowledge, developing new products and services, and thereby becoming more competitive in the global market.
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