European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Objectives

COST, which stands for European Cooperation in Science and Technology, brings together European researchers from different COST countries to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all science and technology fields through trans-European cooperation. COST encourages and fosters trans-, multi- and interdisciplinary approaches.

COST supports networks through which research groups coordinate their ongoing research projects. COST networks (so called COST Actions) include research groups from at least seven COST countries.

COST does not fund the research itself, but funds the networking activities such as meetings, workshops, conferences, short term scientific missions, training schools and dissemination activities.

Participation in a COST network allows you to exchange expertise, to establish synergies with ongoing EU-funded research projects or to pave the way to new EU-funded research projects.

For whom?

COST Actions are open to all scientific and technological fields, including interdisciplinary, new and emergent fields.

Researchers can participate in two ways. Firstly, they might submit proposals for new COST Actions through a continuously open call (see below). Secondly, researchers can choose to join an ongoing COST Action. It should be noted however that one cannot just join a COST network. See for more details on how to join a network on the COST website.

Duration and budget

The financial support for a selected COST Action averages 130,000 EUR per year for a 4-year period.

Application procedure

COST launches once a year an open call for proposals for new COST Actions whereby applicants may submit whenever they want. Each year two Collection Dates are determined: one in spring and one in autumn.

Proposals for new COST Actions are submitted electronically e-COST). Note that the rules and procedures for applying for a COST Action changed for 2015 and beyond.