The European Commission has published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) a  notice for administraive procedures from the Council for athe n open call European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) (2008/C 96/09). 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 200 scientific networks (Actions) are supported.

The open call 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.

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.

Proposers are invited to locate their topic within one Domain. However, inter-disciplinary proposals not fitting readily into a single Domain are particularly welcome and will be assessed separately.

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.

The collection date for Preliminary Proposals is 26 September 2008. Approximately 75 Full Proposals will be invited for final selection of approximately 25 new Actions. Full Proposals will be invited by 14 November 2008 for submission by 16 January 2009, with decisions expected in May 2009. The next collection date is envisaged for 27 March 2009.

Proposers may wish to contact their national COST Coordinator (CNC) for information and guidance.