COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Mission and Objectives

Since 1971, COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology – has been funding transnational collaborative activities through a system of open-access, bottom-up networks of researchers across all scientific and technological fields. These networks, known asCOST Actions, enable advances in the development of scientific knowledge, contributing to the strengthening of Europe’s leadership in R&D. Through its inclusive policy and by placing special emphasis on young researchers, COST provides a unique platform for researchers to develop their ideas and initiatives freely, openly, and collaboratively. COST promotes the integration and enrichment of diverse scientific communities, maximizes national investment in R&D, and makes a decisive contribution 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

Please consult the documents available in the legislation and regulations section (see below), 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 of your interest.
The FCT conducts a semi-annual review of the expressions of interest received to join the Action Management Committee. Please check the News section of the FCT website periodically to follow the specific schedule.
All communications and documents must be sent to cost@fct.pt; the online form must be submitted for the documentation to be reviewed.

What COST Actions Fund

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.