COST - European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Alongside Horizon 2020 COST is one of the most important pillars promoting research cooperation across Europe. It thus forms an important cornerstone of the European Research Area. COST Actions support thematic networks of experts and facilitate the mutual exchange of ideas. It contributes to an improved coordination of research activities as well as the dissemination of relevant results. COST also provides a valuable opportunity to involve Early Stage Researchers in thematic networks and it contributes towards their training and education through tailored activities.
Establishing and supporting networks
COST helps to create networks and thus bundles nationally-financed research initiatives in so-called COST Actions. These Actions provide funding for scientific events (e.g. workshops, training schools and conferences), cover relevant travel expenses (Short-Term Scientific Missions, Management Committee meetings etc.) and fund publications. COST does not fund research itself but fosters the infrastructure essential for enabling experts (from science and industry) from all over Europe and the World to share expertise and collaborate. The strong involvement of Early Stage Researchers as well as certain so-called Inclusiveness Target Countries are of key concern under COST.
(No) thematic focus
COST is a research programme open to all fields. Actions from all scientific fields are covered in this programme and frequently involve an intersectoral and/or an interdisciplinary approach.
How can I participate?
COST invites experts to submit project proposals through a continuous Open Call (with 1 or 2 collection dates per year). Following evaluation of these proposals, between 25 - 40 new COST Actions are funded per year for a period of 4 years. The average funding provided amounts to 130,000 Euros per year per action. Experts may also apply to join existing COST Actions.
The essentials in brief
| Program Owner / Sponsor |
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| Topic | |
| Project type | |
| Financing | national
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| Target group | Who can participate? COST is open to all experts across all fields of science and technology. An important requirement for funding is a nationally-financed research initiative (such as contract research, funding from research promotion funds, private funding by companies, equity funding and/or any other funding). A total of 36 European countries (including all 28 EU Member States) and one Cooperating State (Israel) currently participate in COST. The programme also supports cooperation with research institutions from so-called Near Neighbour Countries and International Partner Countries. |
| What is being funded | n.a. |
| Min. / max. running time | 48 - 48 months |
| Availability from | 01.01.1971 - constantly |
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