COST is an intergovernmental framework, for European Cooperation in Science and Technology, allowing the coordination of nationally-funded research on a European level. Enterprise Ireland manages Ireland’s national membership of COST.
The goal of COST is to ensure that Europe holds a strong position in the field of scientific and technical research for peaceful purposes, by increasing European cooperation and interaction in this field. This research initiative makes it possible for the various national facilities, institutes, universities and private industry to work jointly on a wide range of Research and Development (R&D) activities.
COST key features are:
- building capacity by connecting high-quality scientific communities throughout Europe and worldwide;
- providing networking opportunities for early career investigators;
- increasing the impact of research on policy makers, regulatory bodies and national decision makers as well as the private sector.
Through its inclusiveness, COST supports integration of research communities, leverages national research investments and addresses issues of global relevance.
As a precursor of advanced multidisciplinary research, COST is a building block of the European Research Area, instrumental for successful innovation strategies and global cooperation.
It anticipates and complements the activities of the EU Framework Programmes, constituting a “bridge” towards the scientific communities of emerging countries. It also increases the mobility of researchers across Europe and fosters the establishment of scientific excellence in nine key domains. In addition, Trans-Domain Proposals allow for broad, multidisciplinary proposals to strike across the nine scientific domains.
COST Project/Actions
COST projects or “Actions” are networks centred around nationally funded research projects in fields that are of interest to at least five COST countries. The Actions are open to all researchers (industrial and academic). The participation of young researchers is encouraged as is participation from non-COST countries.
COST does not directly fund any research but provides support to co-ordinate projects. Typically, actions run for 4 years and have an average budget of €120,000 per annum to support networking activities such as: meetings, workshops, conferences; short term scientific mission; training schools; and publications.
In 2011, there were 260 COST Actions running of which Ireland participated in over half, approx 180 actions.
Discover ESOF 2012 through COST's lens!
The Euroscience Open Forum Dublin 2012 was Europe's largest general science meeting. Taking place in Dublin, Ireland, from 11 to 15 July, it aimed to showcase the latest advances in science and technology, and promote a dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy.
How do I get involved?
There are two collection dates each year for proposal evaluations, in March and in September. The current open call will close on 28th September 2012. For further details of existing COST Actions, or to submit a proposal, visit the COST website.
If you are interested in submitting a COST Action proposal, or in participating in any of the current Actions, please contact:
Rita Ward
Tel: +353 1 7272767
 | Rita Ward |