COST Opens Applications for Membership on Management Committees for 80 New Actions

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) recently approved 80 new Actions, which aim to promote the creation of research and innovation networks across all fields of knowledge, strengthening cooperation between countries and supporting the career development of young researchers. Portugal is part of the group of proposers in 65 of these European research and innovation networks, including five as lead proposer. This participation strengthens the country’s position within the European Research Area and opens up new opportunities for the scientific community.

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is responsible for appointing national representatives and reviewing expressions of interest for membership on the Management Committees. The call for expressions of interest is now open; submissions must be made by the following deadlines:

• June 24, 2026: intended for members of the groups proposing the approved Actions (CA25101–CA25180);
• July 14, 2026: Open to anyone interested in joining the Management Committees of new COST Actions or other ongoing COST Actions with available positions.

Applications must be submitted by email tocost@fct.pt, along with the required documentation and the completed online form provided by FCT (available here). A set of instructions and guidelines is also available on FCT’s institutional webpage dedicated to the COST initiative.

To support potential applicants, FCT is hosting a free online information session onJune 15 at 3:00 p.m., where details will be provided on the application process and Portuguese participation in the approved Actions. The complete list of these Actions, including summaries and the composition of the consortia, can be found in the booklet published by COST.

Each COST Action is coordinated by aManagement Committee,which is responsible for setting scientific priorities, approving the work plan, and guiding the network’s development over a four-year period. Portugal may appoint up to two representatives per Action through the FCT, which serves as a key channel for influencing the strategic agenda of each network and ensuring the participation of the national scientific community in funded initiatives, such asworkshops, short-term scientific missions, and advanced training schools. In addition to the Management Committees, researchers may also join the Actions’ Working Groups directly, without requiring prior approval from the FCT. StartingJune 12, the Memoranda of Understanding will be available on the COST website, allowing users to review each network’s objectives and submit applications directly.