COST Actions 2026 Call

The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) launches annual calls to fund interdisciplinary research networks (COST Actions) involving researchers, innovators & other professionals that are interested in investigating a topic of their choice for 4 years.

Eligibility
Min. 7 participants from 7 different COST Member States, 50% of which must be a “widening country", in addition, at least 40% of proposers must be Young Researchers and Innovators. Swiss-based scientists are fully eligible.

Funding and duration
COST Actions cover the expenses of networking activities such as meetings, short mobilities, organization of training schools, communication, grant to attend conferences organized by third parties. Research-related costs are not eligible. Average grant for a 4-year action is around 600.000 EUR.

Evaluation procedure
The evaluation follows a three-steps process: 1. evaluation by independent external experts; 2. consensus and quality check; 3. selection by the COST Scientific Committee. Up to 80 new COST Actions are expected to be approved. Results should be out by May 2027.

Evaluation criteria
Proposals are given a mark from 0-5 based on the following criteria: 1. excellence in science, technology & networking; 2. impact; 3. implementation. Proposals failing to achieve the threshold (3 of 5) in the first or second criterion shall not be funded.

More information
COST Website
Funding

Contact
Sara Caspani