Funding networking activities plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation in the research and innovation (R&I) sector. European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) creates open spaces where researchers and professionals can exchange ideas, share knowledge, and work together on interdisciplinary challenges. COST Actions, which are funded networks, serve as a structured approach to promote international collaboration and strengthen the European research landscape.
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COST Actions Overview
COST Actions are interdisciplinary research networks that bring together researchers, innovators, and professionals from universities, public and private institutions, NGOs, SMEs, and industry. These networks focus on collaborative research for a period of four years. COST Actions aim to build bridges across scientific disciplines, institutions, and countries, allowing participants to engage in knowledge exchange and joint problem-solving.
The Budget for COST Actions
Funding for COST Actions primarily covers networking activities rather than direct research. The allocated budget supports:
- Organisation of meetings, workshops, and conferences
- Short-term scientific missions (STSMs) for mobility and research access
- Training schools for skill development
- Communication and dissemination activities
- Virtual networking tools
The estimated funding for a COST Action is:
| Year | Estimated Funding (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 125,000 | Initial year for network establishment and early events |
| 2–4 | 150,000 per year | Adjusted depending on the number of COST Countries represented in Working Groups |
Illustrations representing networking activities include:
- Meetings and conferences – Researchers collaborating in international workshops
- Events – Networking events connecting scientists and innovators
- Classroom training – Teaching and skill-building activities
- Research papers – Dissemination of new findings
- Virtual networking tools – Online collaboration platforms
Examples of COST Action Networking Activities
COST Actions enable diverse networking activities designed to strengthen research collaboration. Some examples include:
- Multi-country workshops and conferences
- Training schools for emerging researchers
- Short-term scientific missions providing access to advanced research infrastructures
- Communication and dissemination through publications, websites, and social media
- Virtual tools facilitating international cooperation
Benefits of Participation in COST Actions
Participation in COST Actions leads to measurable outcomes for researchers and institutions. Networking through COST often serves as a pre-portal for other major funding opportunities, such as Horizon Europe. Some of the key benefits are:
Scientific Advancements
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Emerging Scientific Topics | Encourages work on cutting-edge research areas |
| Research Infrastructure Access | Enables short-term access to laboratories and specialized equipment |
| Training Opportunities | Provides structured training programs for knowledge enhancement |
| Knowledge Production | Maximizes generation of new insights and breakthrough discoveries |
Networking Opportunities
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Exchange of Ideas | Facilitates the free circulation of researchers and knowledge |
| Advancing Knowledge | Builds an internal market for innovation and expertise |
| Interconnected Research Community | Enhances cooperation across countries, generations, and genders |
| Global Cooperation | Promotes access to excellence and international partnerships |
Mobility and Visibility
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| International Mobility | Encourages researchers to work abroad temporarily |
| Long-Term Impact | STSMs contribute to lasting collaborations and career growth |
| Research Visibility | Increases recognition of researchers and their work on an international scale |
Career Opportunities
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| European Career Development | Supports promotions and visibility at a European level |
| Young Researcher Support | Encourages early-career researchers and innovators |
| Incentive for Innovation | Promotes professional growth and recognition in research networks |
Financial Support
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-Entry Barrier | Provides accessible opportunities for new participants |
| Pathway to Further Cooperation | Opens doors to larger ERA funding schemes and collaborative projects |
| Networking Funding | Covers essential networking costs to reduce financial obstacles |
Eligibility and Participation
COST Actions are inclusive, attracting researchers and innovators from any career stage. Participation is open to:
- Universities and research institutions
- Public and private sector organizations
- NGOs and SMEs
- Industry specialists
COST actively promotes involvement from less-research-intensive COST Member countries, ensuring inclusivity and balanced representation across Europe. Participants can check their eligibility for funding and reimbursement through official COST portals.
How to Apply and Participate
To engage in COST Actions, researchers and institutions can:
- Apply for funding through the COST official platform
- Identify ongoing Actions relevant to their research focus
- Participate in networking events, short-term scientific missions, and training schools
- Collaborate with international partners to prepare joint research proposals
The Way Forward
Networking through COST Actions provides a strategic and structured way for researchers and innovators to collaborate across disciplines, countries, and institutions. Participation enhances scientific advancement, career growth, and visibility while fostering an inclusive and cooperative research environment. COST Actions act as a foundation for future research funding and innovation, creating long-lasting connections that benefit individuals, institutions, and the broader European R&I ecosystem.
