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 around 250 scientific networks (Actions) are supported.

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, 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 p.a. for normally four years, subject to available budget.

Proposals will be assessed in two stages. The deadline for preliminary proposals is 28 September 2012. Full proposals will be invited by 23 November 2012 for submission by 25 January 2013, with decisions expected in May 2013.

Reference: 2012/C 177/08

(Added 2012-06-20)