Name of the programme and of the thematic/horizontal area:
European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST)
Public
Information on funding
Programme:
COST
Specification/themes:
Open Call for Proposals for Research Networks
Call identifier:
Continuous call : 2008/C 283/05
Budget for the call:
100.000 € per action for 4 years
Deadline:
25/09/2009 17:00
Short introduction to the programme / what is it about? How may WBC participate? (approx. 500 characters):
Brief info about the Programme
COST is an intergovernmental framework for European Cooperation in Science and Technology, allowing the coordination of nationally-funded research on a European level. COST contributes to reducing the fragmentation in European research investments and opening the European Research Area to cooperation worldwide.
COST brings together researchers and experts in different countries working on specific topics. COST does NOT fund research itself, but supports networking activities such as meetings, conferences, short term scientific exchanges and outreach activities. Up to 2008, more than 200 scientific networks (Actions) are supported. COST does not fund research itself but provides a platform for European scientists to cooperate on a particular project and exchange expertise. These projects are called "Actions". Each COST Action is a network centred around nationally-funded research projects in fields that are of interest to at least five COST countries. COST provides the COST Actions with financial support for joint activities such as conferences, short-term scientific exchanges and publications. Each COST Action has an objective, defined goals and clear deliverables. COST Actions have located their topic into one of COST’s scientific Domains. Participation in COST Actions is not limited to COST countries. Institutions from non-COST countries may join COST Actions provided there is a mutual benefit.
COST receives financial support for its coordinating activities from the EU RTD Framework Programme. The COST Office, administered by the European Science Foundation (ESF), acting as the implementing agent for COST, provides the scientific secretariat for COST Domains and COST Actions.
COST is organised in nine broad Domains (Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences; Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and Technologies; Earth System Science and Environmental Management; Food and Agriculture; Forests, their Products and Services; Individuals, Society, Culture and Health; Information and Communication Technologies; Materials, Physical and Nanosciences; Transport and Urban Development). The intended coverage of each Domain is explained at: www.cost.esf.org
More details on the call: Major information on administrative issues (e.g. type of entities which are eligible, consortium structure, budget for the call, etc. (a. 1000 characters):
Open Call for Proposals for Actions
COST invites researchers throughout Europe to submit proposals for research networks and use this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and to embark on new European perspectives. A continuous Open Call for Proposals is used to attract the best proposals for new COST Actions. Only the institutions of the 35 COST countries can propose an Action.
How to apply?
Proposals should include researchers from a minimum of five COST countries. Financial support in the range of EUR 100 000 p.a. for normally 4 years can be expected. Proposals will be assessed in two stages. Preliminary Proposals (maximum 1 500 words/3 pages), submitted using the on-line template at: www.cost.esf.org/opencall should provide a brief overview of the proposal and its intended impact. Proposals not conforming to the eligibility criteria of COST (e.g. requesting research funding) will be excluded. Eligible Proposals will be assessed by the relevant Domain Committees in accordance with the published criteria at: www.cost.esf.org. Proposers of selected Preliminary Proposals will be invited to submit a Full Proposal. Full Proposals will be peer reviewed according to the assessment criteria at: www.cost.esf.org/opencall. The decision will normally be taken within six months of the collection date and the Actions should expect to start within three months thereafter. The collection date for Preliminary Proposals is 25 September 2009.
Further information on the programme (e.g. links to programme website, Rules for Participation, Financial Guidelines, etc.):
Official Call Website:
http://www.cost.esf.org/participate/open_call
In order to register to the call web-site (mandatory for proposers):
http://w3.cost.esf.org/index.php?id=1753
Rules and Procedures for Implementing COST Actions:
http://www.cost.esf.org/module/download/1226
Guidelines for Assessment, Monitoring, Evaluation and Dissemination of Results of COST Actions:
http://www.cost.esf.org/module/download/1054
Guidelines for Activities of a COST Action and Financial Issues:
http://w3.cost.esf.org/?id=38&print_doc=1
Contact/additional support (e.g. Helpdesk, contact to NCPs in your country, partnering websites if available, further related links, etc.):
For detailed information about COST:
http://www.cost.esf.org/about_cost
COST Domains and Actions:
http://www.cost.esf.org/domains_actions
In order to get local support, you may contact with your COST National Coordinator:
http://www.cost.esf.org/about_cost/who/(type)/3
FAQ about COST:
http://www.cost.esf.org/service/faq