COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is an intergovernmental framework for cooperation in science and technology, consisting of 41 Full Members, 1 Cooperating Member and 1 Partner Member.
These 41 Full Members govern COST through their representatives in the COST Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), the general assembly of the COST Association.
COST contributes to reducing the fragmentation of research investment in Europe and to opening up the European Research Area to international cooperation.
COST funds interdisciplinary research networks known as COST Actions. These Actions bring together researchers, innovators and other professionals, including experts from industry, based in Europe and beyond, to collaborate on selected scientific topics during the duration of a COST Action (normally 4 years).
COST does not fund the research itself, but provides a platform for European researchers to collaborate on specific projects and exchange expertise. These projects are referred to as “Actions”.
Each COST Action is established based on a proposal from the research community and brings together researchers working on similar scientific topics. COST provides financial support for joint activities such as conferences, Short-Term Scientific Missions and publications.
Each COST Action has a defined objective, deliverables and clearly established outcomes. COST Actions are classified into one of the scientific areas covered by COST.
COST Action funding covers expenses related to networking activities, not the research itself. The funds are used to organise and finance events, Short-Term Scientific Missions, schools and training activities, communication activities, grants for participation in major international conferences, and virtual networking tools.
The estimated budget for a COST Action is approximately €150,000 in the first year and €180,000 per year for the following three years.
(The exact amount depends on the number of COST member countries represented in the working groups.)