COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Since 1971, COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology has been funding transnational collaboration activities in a system of freely accessible, bottom-up networks of researchers in all scientific and technological fields. These networks, known asCOST Actions, enable advances in the development of scientific knowledge, contributing to the strengthening of Europe as a leader in R&D. Through its inclusive policy and by giving special importance to young researchers, COST is a unique means for researchers to develop their ideas and initiatives freely, openly, and jointly. COST promotes the integration and enrichment of diverse scientific communities, maximizes national investment in R&D, and contributes decisively to the defragmentation of knowledge in Europe.

COST Actions are based on an intergovernmental framework for cooperation that currently has41 member countries and one cooperating country. Institutions from non-member countries can also participate in the Actions. The funds provided by COST support the costs of coordinating research networks. There are currently more than 250 Actions underway, involving around 50,000 researchers.

How to enter and participate

You should consult the documents available below in the legislation and regulations section, including information on submitting expressions of interest to join the Management Committee for ongoing Actions.
Please note that FCT approval is not required to join the Action Working Groups and that you should do so directly on the COST page dedicated to the Action you are interested in.
The FCT conducts a biannual review of expressions of interest received to join the Action Management Committee.
The collection dates are announced in the News section of the FCT website.
All communications and documents should be sent to cost@fct.pt.

Funding of COST actions

Financial support covers: meetings (travel, allowances, local organization support, for example), conferences,workshops, short-term scientific missions, advanced training actions, publications, and dissemination actions. COST does not finance research projects themselves (equipment, human resources, consumables), with research being financed by other mechanisms. Financial management is ensured by the responsible institution (decided during the inaugural meeting of the Action Management Committee) on a reimbursement basis. As a reference, a COST Action involving 20 countries will have a budget of around €130,000 per year for the development of its activities.

You can consult the funding opportunities inthe list of Calls .