Open Call: European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST)

The COST initiative brings together researchers and experts in different countries working on specific topics. COST does not itself fund research, but supports networking activities such as meetings, conferences, short term scientific exchanges and outreach activities.

COST invites proposals for Actions contributing to the scientific, technological, economic, cultural or societal development of Europe. Proposals playing a precursor role for other European programmes and/or initiated by early-stage researchers are especially welcome.

Developing stronger links amongst European researchers is crucial to building the European Research Area (ERA). COST stimulates new, innovative, interdisciplinary and broad research networks in Europe. COST activities are carried out by research teams to strengthen the foundations for building scientific excellence in Europe.

COST is organised in nine broad Domains:
Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences;
Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and Technologies;
Earth System Science and Environmental Management;
Food and Agriculture;
Forests, their Products and Services;
Individuals, Society, Culture and Health;
Information and Communication Technologies;
Materials, Physical and Nanosciences;
Transport and Urban Development

Proposers are invited to locate their topic within one Domain. However, inter-disciplinary proposals not fitting readily into a single Domain are particularly welcome and will be assessed separately by the Trans-Domain Proposals Standing Assessment Body.

Proposals should include researchers from a minimum of five COST countries. Financial support in the range of €100,000 p.a. can be expected, normally for four years.

The deadline for Preliminary Proposals is 26 March 2010. Approximately 80 Full Proposals will then be invited for submission by 30 July 2010 for final selection of approximately 30 new Actions.

Further information can be found on the COST website.
 

Reference: 2010/C 21/10

(Added 2010-01-28)