The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides international research funding for researchers to set up their interdisciplinary research networks in Europe and beyond. Through these networks, the so-called COST Actions, COST provides funds for organising meetings, training schools, short term scientific missions or other networking activities in a wide range of scientific topics.
COST is a unique means for European researchers to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all scientific disciplines. A COST Action represents a network of nationally funded projects based on a Grant Agreement, a joint work and a budget plan of at least 5 countries, cross 9 Domains or interdisciplinary. These bottom-up networks run for 4 years and help to build capacity. COST provides funds for organising meetings, training schools, short term scientific missions or other networking activities in a wide range of scientific topics.
COST Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences domain covers all areas of medicine in Europe including fundamental, preclinical and clinical medical research developed to materialise the “bench to bedside” concept.
COST invites researchers across Europe to submit proposals for Actions through a continuous open call, no matter what their field of interest is. Besides setting up their own Action, researchers can join an existing network. More details about different ways of participation in COST Actions can be found here but in a nutshell there are the following options how you can participate in COST Actions:
As a Management Committee (MC) member. The MC is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and management of an Action. For each Action, up to two representatives per COST Member can be nominated to the MC. To participate as an MC, please contact the COST National Coordinator (CNC) of your country.
As a working group member. The working groups perform the tasks required by the Action to fulfil the objectives of the network project plan, as described in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). To participate as a working group member, please contact the Action’s working group leader and the MC member(s) from your country.
As a participant in Action activities. During their lifetime, Actions provide opportunities to get involved in activities through training schools, short-term scientific missions, workshops, conferences, etc. To participate in one of these, follow the offers on the website of the specific Action you are interested in.