Grants

Overview of the types of available grants and any other relevant info

1. Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)

An STSM offers a valuable experience for researchers in supporting their career development. It is designed to strengthen existing networks by enabling researchers and innovators to foster face-to-face collaboration. In addition, it supports the development of new collaborations between Working Groups (WGs) and external partners, including those from industry.

Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC) and Near Neighbors Country (NNC) members, early-career researchers, and underrepresented genders are particularly encouraged to apply.

Important dates.

Two calls are opened per Grant Period, the first one around November, the second one around May, with missions to be carried out by the end of September at the latest.

Criteria.

Location of the host institution must be in a different country to the country of affiliation of the applicant.
Application should be in English.
Minimum time of stay: 5 days. Maximum time: 2 months.
The maximum budget is €4000, corresponding to a stay of up to 2 months. Applicants should request a proportionate budget for the duration and provide a clear justification.

Applicants must have joined the action at least one month before their application date.

Application process.

Applicants will be asked:

To fill out the Application page accessible via the e-COST platform.
To upload the Application form describing goals, scientific content of the STSM, and expected outcomes.
To upload confirmation of the host on the agreement from the host institution to receive the applicant. This should be an electronic letter on the host university letterhead.

In addition, applicants should add a budget plan (max. 200 words) describing the amount of resources allocated to accommodation, travel, meals, and possible other costs. The budget plan should also detail any other sources of funding available.

Applicants should be aware that their CV will be checked.

More information about the application process can be found in the following user’s guide.

2. Inclusiveness Target Country (ITC) Conference grants

An ITC Conference grant provides financial support to Action Participants affiliated to a legal entity located in an Inclusiveness Target Country/ Near Neighbour Country (NNC) to present their own work within the scope of the action at a third-party conference. It helps grantees to establish a strong network and broaden their exposure to the research community through sharing their work.

In addition, it contributes to increasing visibility of the Action.

Important dates.

Call opens in November.
Review of the applications starts in December and continues until all funds are granted.

Criteria.

Applicants must give an oral presentation at the conference about their own work within the scope of the Action.
The conference should be high-level and not organized by COST.
Applicants must be affiliated to a legal entity located in an Inclusiveness Target Country / Near Neighbour Country.
Application should be in English.
Maximum budget: 1000 €.
Applicants must have joined the action at least one month before their application date.

Application process.

Applicants will be asked:

To fill out the Application page accessible via the e-COST platform.
To upload the Application form describing conference details, contribution details, relevance of the conference topic to the Action, motivation and expected impact.
To upload a copy of the abstract of the accepted oral presentation.
To upload an acceptance (or invitation) letter from the conference organisers.

In addition, applicants should add a budget plan (max. 200 words) describing the amount ofresources allocated to accommodation, travel, meals, and possible other costs. The budget plan should also detail any other sources of funding available.

Applicants should be aware that their CV will be checked.

More information about the application process can be found in the following user’s guide.

The overarching aim of mSPACE is to construct a unified mathematical framework to study multiscale geometrically structured spaces using analytic, combinatorial, and stochastic methods, and to tailor this framework to a broad range of applications, particularly in materials science and complex systems.

3. Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) Conference grants

An YRI Conference grant provides financial support to Young Researchers and Innovators to present their own work at a third-party conference. It helps grantees to establish a strong network and broaden their exposure to the research community through sharing their work. In addition, it contributes to increasing visibility of the Action.

Important dates.

Call opening: 8 December 2025.
Review of the applications will start on 12 January 2026, and will continue until all funds are granted.

Criteria.

Applicants must give an oral presentation or present a poster at the conference.
The conference should be high-level and not organized by COST.
Applicants must be under the age of 40.
Application should be in English.
Maximum budget: 1000 €.
Applicants must have joined the action at least one month before their application date.

Application process.

Applicants will be asked:

To fill out the Application page accessible via the e-COST platform.
To upload the Application form describing conference details, contribution details, relevance of the conference topic to the Action, motivation and expected impact.
To upload a copy of the abstract of the accepted oral or poster presentation.
To upload an acceptance (or invitation) letter from the conference organisers.

More information about the application process can be found in the following user’s guide.