COST Open Call 2026

Collection Date 2026 for new COST Actions

A COST Action is an interdisciplinary research network that brings together researchers to investigate a topic for four years. Open to all science and technology fields, COST Actions are also bottom-up meaning you can propose a network based on your own interests or ideas. COST Actions are open throughout their lifetime to new members and are adaptable in terms of internal organisation and strategy. They shall promote actively the participation of the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Updated submission criteria and procedures!

What can be funded?

The funding a COST Action receives covers the expenses of networking activities and can be used to fund events, Short-Term Scientific Missions, Training Schools, communication activities, publications, and virtual networking tools.

Who can be funded?

Participation in COST Actions is open to researchers and experts from all sectors, including universities, other research institutions, public and private organizations, NGOs, large companies as well as SMEs, and more. Individual participation requires an affiliation with a legal entity.

What is the amount of funding?

Participation in COST Actions is open to researchers and experts from all sectors, including universities, other research institutions, public and private organizations, NGOs, large companies as well as SMEs, and more. Individual participation requires an affiliation with a legal entity.

What are the submission criteria?

The Network of Proposers shall be composed of at least seven COST Full or Cooperating Members amongst which at least 50% shall be from COST Inclusiveness Target Countries. A new requirement is that at least 40% of the applicants must be ‘Young Researchers and Innovators’. This refers to individuals who are 40 years old or younger. In each Open Call Collection, each individual may participate either as Main or Secondary Proposer in one proposal only. The Technical Annex is no longer a separate document and is an integrated part of the submission process to be completed directly via the e-COST platform. No budget plan is required at the proposal submission stage.

How does the submission work?

Submissions are made through the COST Association’s online portal, eCOST, in a single-stage application process. The application must be completed entirely online.

When will a decision be made?

Results are anticipated in May 2027, with funding planned for 80 new COST Actions.


 

Planned Submission Period
31.07.2026 - 28.10.2026, 12:00 hour
Max. Funding 600.000
Funding procedure
Submission with a proposal process
Target group
(Non-profit) AssociationsAuthoritiesCompetence centresLarge companiesResearch facilitiesSingle researchersSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)Start UpUniversitiesUniversities of applied sciences
Collaboration
Required
Scope
European & International
Eligible costs
Travel costs
Only networking costs are eligible for funding. Details can be found in the Annotated Rules.
OBERTHALER Pauline

Pauline OBERTHALER

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

Gudrun REISENAUER

COST Support
+43 577 55-4111 E-Mail

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