COST invites proposals for Actions contributing to the scientific, technological, economic, cultural or societal development of Europe. Proposals playing a precursor role for other European programmes and/or initiated by early-stage researchers are especially welcome. 

Developing stronger links amongst European researchers is crucial to building the European Research Area (ERA). COST stimulates new, innovative, interdisciplinary and broad research networks in Europe. COST activities are carried out by research teams to strengthen the foundations for building scientific excellence in Europe.

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, Societies, Cultures and Health
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Materials, Physics and Nanosciences
• Transport and Urban Development

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. Currently more than 250 scientific networks (Actions) are supported.

Proposals will be assessed in two stages:

• Preliminary Proposals: maximum 1 500 words/3 pages, 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
• Applicants of selected Preliminary Proposals will be invited to submit a Full Proposal. Full Proposals will be peer reviewed according to the assessment criteria. The decision will normally be taken within six months of the collection date and the Actions should expect to start within three months thereafter.

Proposals should include researchers from a minimum of five COST countries. Financial support in the range of 130,000 euro p.a. for normally four years can be expected, subject to available budget.

The Community provisional funding available for the call for proposals is:

• 29 March 2013 - 11 years ago (Deadline for the presentation of proposals)

• Official page of the Call

• Open Call - European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) (Legal base)

Opened to the following bodies or institutes with legal status established in the covered areas:

• Any legal organisation

Bodies or institutes must have their registered legal seat in one of the countries taking part in the Programme which are:

• European Economic Area (EEA)
• European Union (EU)
• Candidate Countries
• European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
• Third countries

Directorate-General for Research

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• Call for proposals for the selection of additional beneficiaries in the FI-WARE Project