Open call: European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)

COST brings together researchers and experts in different countries working on specific topics. COST does NOT fund research itself, but supports networking activities such as meetings, conferences, short-term scientific exchanges and outreach activities. Currently more than 280 scientific networks (Actions) are supported.

COST is now inviting 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 into 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, Societies, Cultures and Health
Information and Communication Technologies
Materials, Physics and Nanosciences
Transport and Urban Development

Applicants 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.

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

Proposals will be assessed in two stages. Preliminary proposals (maximum 1,500 words/three pages) should provide a brief overview of the proposal and its intended impact. Eligible proposals will be assessed by the relevant Domain Committees. Applicants of selected preliminary proposals will be invited to submit a full proposal. Full proposals will be peer reviewed.

A decision will normally be taken within six months of the collection date, with actions expected to start within the following three months.

The collection date for preliminary proposals is 25 March 2011. Up to 80 full proposals will be invited for final selection of up to 30 new actions, subject to available budget. Full proposals will be invited by 13 May 2011 for submission by 29 July 2011, with decisions expected in December 2011. The next collection date is envisaged for 30 September 2011.

Applicants may wish to contact their national COST Coordinator (CNC) for information and guidance. Proposals must be submitted online to the COST Office website.

Further information can be found on the COST website.

Reference: 2011/C 37/09

(Added 2011-02-05)