New COST Research Networks Open Fresh Opportunities for Ireland’s Research Communities

The latest round of EU COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) Actions has been announced, with 80 new international networks approved from the 2025 collection. These new Actions commence during September and October 2026 and will create opportunities for Irish researchers across the third-level sector, as well as industry partners and other stakeholders, to engage in thematically relevant areas at a European level.

Shaping Europe's Research Agenda

The newly approved Actions highlight where Europe is heading in terms of research and innovation. Many of the networks focus on areas relevant to Ireland’s research base, including:

- Artificial intelligence and digital technologies

- Health and life sciences

- Climate, energy and sustainability

- Agri-food systems and the bioeconomy

- Policy, regulation and societal challenges

Full details of the newly approved COST Actions are available in the official COST booklet.  

These themes closely align with Ireland’s national research priorities and Enterprise Ireland-supported activities, offering strong opportunities for Ireland-based researchers to both contribute to and shape emerging European research agendas.

The Impact of COST

COST continues to offer a highly accessible route into European collaboration. Rather than funding research projects directly, COST supports networks that bring people together — connecting researchers, industry, policymakers and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and develop future research ideas. All COST networks can be explored via the COST website.

Engaging with COST Actions 

Irish researchers and research-performing organisations have a strong track record in COST, regularly taking on leadership roles and contributing across a wide range of Actions. With the new networks now approved, there is a valuable opportunity to engage at an early stage:

- Participate in Action activities such as workshops, training schools and short-term scientific missions

- Join working groups aligned with specific research interests

- Take on roles within Management Committees

Notably, researchers based in Ireland are already engaged in a significant number of the newly approved Actions, with Ireland-based co-proposers involved in approximately 30 networks. This strong level of involvement highlights the active role of the Irish research community in shaping European collaboration and provides an excellent foundation for broader international engagement as these networks develop.

Beyond collaboration, COST provides an ideal platform for researchers to build international visibility, take on leadership roles, develop strategic partnerships, and position ideas for future Horizon Europe funding.

Get involved

David Flood, COST National Coordinator (CNC) for Ireland, can support Irish participants in joining relevant Action working groups and facilitate nominations to the new Management Committees being established this summer. Contact: [email protected]