COST is an intergovernmental framework funding networking activities such as meetings, conferences, workshops, short-term scientific exchanges and dissemination activities. It does not fund the research itself.
What is a COST Action?
A COST Action is a network open to researchers collaborating in a field of science and technology of common interest to at least seven COST Members/Cooperating Members, based on a joint work programme lasting four years.
Who can participate?
The COST Actions are open to:
- all fields of science and technology
- all types of institutions (academia, public institutions, SME/industry, NGO, European/International organisations etc.)
- all career stages
- all countries (institutions from Non-COST Members can join based on mutual benefit).
Who is eligible for COST funding?
- COST Members/Cooperation Members
- Researchers from Near-Neighbour countries
- European RTD Organisations (i.e. CERN)
The average COST Action support is 130,000 € / year for a typical network of 25 COST Members.
How to propose a COST Action?
Proposals for Actions can be submitted through a continuous open call.
Alternatively, researchers can also join ongoing Actions.
Useful reading
- For guidelines on how to apply to the open call, read "COST Open Call SESA guidelines"
- For evaluation criteria, read "COST Action Proposal Submission-Evaluation-Selection-Approval"
- For rules for participation in and implementation of COST actions, read "Rules for Participation in and Implementation of COST"
- For rules for participation of Non-Cost countries and Specific Organisations, read "COST International Cooperation and Specific Organisations Participation"