News

COST info day

COST held an Info Day in Prague on the 16th February 2018 to encourage greater participation of researchers from the Czech Republic in European research activities.

The event took place in Technology centre AV ČR in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

What is COST?

COST (CO-operation in Science and Technology):

• COST is the longest-running European framework supporting trans-national cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe.

• COST was founded in 1971 in Vienna and Czech Republic joined the program in 1993

• it ensures the coordination of research through the so-called coordinated European actions - ACTION

• COST members are individual states and not institutions

• there are currently 37 member states

• 3 strategic priorities: promoting and spreading excellence + fostering interdisciplinary research for breakthrough science (bottom up) + boosting careers for young researchers

• more information here: http://www.cost.eu/

• in Czech Republic the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is the main contact and coordinator - webpage

Information and tips from info day:

• next call deadline: 20 April 2018 at 12:00 more info here

• those who have gone through COST are up to 3 times more successful in H2020 projects

• benefits of engagement for SMEs - partner search, up-to-date information, use of new technologies, knowledge of key researchers in a particular area, increased European and international visibility

• the minimum number of participating countries is 7 - more detailed information on who and how to can get involved here.

• memorandum of understanding is usually public so you can get inspired by others

• keep emphasis on anonymity! No names, names of institutions in the proposal, links, nowhere ...

• When? call every nine months (start early!)

  What? Online aplication via eCOST here

  How many? approximately 25-40 projects are usually accepted

• the possibility of scientific missions (short-term, up to 6 months) usually ends up with paper, financing up to 3500 EUR

• dissemination – leaflets, brochures, publications, website (open at least 2 years after the end of the project)

• you can find the presentations from the info day here and other info here