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

COST brings together researchers and experts in different countries working on specific topics. COST itself does not fund research, but supports networking activities such as meetings, conferences, short-term scientific exchanges and outreach activities. Some 250 scientific networks (actions) are currently supported.

Proposals are invited 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, 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 for an action of 19 participating countries is in the range of €130,000 pa, normally for four years, subject to available budget.

Proposals will be assessed in two stages. The collection date for preliminary proposals is 30 March 2012. Around 80 full proposals will be invited for final selection of approximately 35 new actions, subject to available budget. Full proposals will be invited by 18 May 2012, for submission by 27 July 2012, with decisions expected in November 2012.

For further details, see the COST website

Reference: 2012/C 15/05

(Added 2012-01-18)