What is COST?
COST - The European ‘Cooperation in Science and Technology’ was founded in 1971. It is one of the longest running European scientific programmes and has grown to include a membership of 40 nations. The programme is unique in that it does not directly support specific research projects but rather the creation of research networks, called COST Actions.
These networks offer an open space for collaboration among researchers and other stakeholders across Europe and thereby give impetus to research advancements and innovation. Funding for COST Actions covers the expenses of networking activities rather than research and is used to organise and fund events, short-term scientific missions, training schools, communication activities, and virtual networking tools.
COST is bottom up, open to any science field so this means that researchers can propose a new network – based on their own research interests and ideas – by applying to the COST Open Call which occurs once a year.
COST places a priority on:
Excellence in science.
An Interdisciplinary approach.
Sharing and spreading best practice across all member states.
Gender equality.
Inclusion of researchers at all career levels.
Although COST Actions are generally proposed by teams of academic researchers, they are multi-stakeholder and can involve participants from the private sector, industry, business, policy making, non-governmental institutions and civil society.
Ultimately, COST expects that Actions will lead to follow-on research proposals to the Horizon Europe programmes which have the potential to develop new technologies, products and services that will positively impact on the lives of European citizens.
Recently approved COST Actions led by Ireland
Researchers from Ireland take on the role of Main Proposer in COST Action applications every year. In 2022 and 2023 we saw four new networks led by Ireland added to the COST Action list.
Another 47 Actions approved in 2022 and 2023 included co-proposers from Ireland. At the end of 2022, participants from Ireland were contributing to almost 90% of current Actions and had taken up leadership positions in almost 60%.
Would you like to participate in a COST Action?
Typically, there are 350-400 COST Actions running at any given time with over 40,000 individuals contributing to the network activities. COST approves 70 new Actions each year and supports them for a duration of 4 years. COST publishes a list of all Actions here. A downloadable MOU provides full details of the network.
If you find an on-going Action aligned to your interests and would like to participate, consider these options:
As a participant in Action activities
All Actions organise a range of activities each year. Check the Action’s website and sign up for notifications and/or to receive a regular newsletter with updates on what’s coming up. Participate in activities such as short-term scientific missions, training schools, workshops, and conferences.
As a Working Group (WG) participant
Each Action is structured around a number of working groups (WG). Become a member of the most relevant teams and connect with a diverse range of participants from all over Europe where you can bring your own expertise and insights to the table. You can join a WG directly by contacting the WG leader (details on the website) and by using the on-line ‘apply’ link provided.
As a Management Committee (MC) member
Each Action is led by a management committee (MC). Once an Action is approved, each COST member state can nominate two individuals to take up a seat on the committee which directs the Action programme, goals, and deliverables. This option requires a greater commitment of time and effort but puts you at the heart of the network decision-making body. Nominations to the MC are made through the COST National Co-ordinator in each member state.
Would you like to propose a new COST Action?
Do you think you have a great idea for new network that could win support from COST?
As Main Proposer, you should start by gathering a core team to develop the application.
You will need:
At least 7 individuals (including yourself) from seven COST member states to form an eligible consortium.
At least 50% of your consortium must represent the COST Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) in eastern and southern Europe.
Gender Balance
Good representation of young researchers (i.e. researchers under the age of 40).
The application is a one-stage process and is fully online. COST provides great information on the requirements, processes, and evaluation system along with templates and FAQs here.
You can discuss your idea with your Research Office and with David Flood, COST National
Coordinator for Ireland, who can answer your questions and provide guidance through the system.
If you want to learn more about any aspect of COST, please get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
TEL: +353 1 727 2487