COST Actions provide researchers from all sectors with funding for a broad range of networking and collaboration activities and opportunities within a network.
Who should apply
UK-based researchers from both the academic and non-academic sectors are eligible to apply in COST Actions.
The UK will continue to participate in COST as a Full Member country with UK-based researchers fully eligible to participate in all COST calls and act as expert evaluators. COST participation is independent of the UK’s association to the Horizon Europe programme.
How it works
COST is an intergovernmental framework for European Cooperation in Science and Technology and its mission is to enable breakthrough scientific developments leading to new concepts and products.
COST does not provide funding for research itself, but for a broad range of networking and collaboration activities and opportunities, including meetings, workshops, conferences, training schools, short-term scientific missions (STSM), and dissemination activities. Once a COST Action is funded, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed that outlines the Action’s objectives, tasks, activities and milestones.
COST Actions are bottom-up and can be on any topic, however they must fulfill certain criteria in order to be approved, such as including researchers from at least seven COST Member countries, half of whom come from the Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC).
Following a thorough evaluation and selection process, the decision for funding a proposal is taken by the COST Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) within eight months from the collection date. Successful proposals are approved to become COST Actions and can expect to kick-off within three months after approval.
What is funded
COST Actions does not fund research activities. Instead, it provides funding for a broad range of networking and collaboration activities and opportunities, including meetings, workshops, conferences, training schools, short-term scientific missions (STSM), and dissemination activities.
Researchers and institutions based in the UK can be:
- Reimbursed for participation in Action networking activities
- A main or secondary proposer in the COST Open Call for new Actions
- Can hold leadership positions in ongoing Actions
- The Grant Holder Institution for an Action
- Reimbursed participation in activities organised by COST, such as COST Academy training.
Further information on funding under COST Actions can be found on the COST website.
How we can support you
We are the UK National Contact Point (NCP) for COST. You can email us for free information and advice.
You can also attend our free events about COST calls. Every event is recorded, so you can catch up on the recordings too.
Additional support for UKRO subscribers
If your organisation subscribes to UKRO, we can provide additional support. Check if your organisation is a subscriber.
While we cannot read proposals and comment on them directly, we do have resources available to help with proposal writing. Your UKRO European Advisor is available to signpost and advise on general questions you might have regarding your proposal.
Next steps
- Read about this scheme and what the funding covers by visiting the COST website.
- Read the guidance documents to see if this call is right for you.
- Apply on the e-cost website, the dedicated COST grant management and application tool.
- If you do not already have an account, you need to register on the e-cost website.
Contact us if you have any questions
Last updated: 12 February 2024