COST supports scientific and technical collaboration in Europe, and its main aim is to stimulate new, innovative and interdisciplinary scientific networks. Proposals are invited for new COST Actions contributing to the scientific, economic, cultural or societal development of Europe. It supports networking of nationally funded activities in supporting meetings, conferences, short-term scientific exchanges and outreach activities (not research). More than 200 COST Actions are currently supported, with around a further 50 new Actions approved each year. Past COST Actions have shown strength in solving environmental and cross-border problems.

Most European countries are eligible to apply (not restricted to European Union – most Central and Eastern European countries are members). COST currently has 35 member countries. COST also welcomes the participation of a number of institutions from non-member countries. See http://www.cost.esf.org/index.php?id=9 for full list of eligible participants.

Typical financial support is in the range of €100 000 p.a. for a four year project.

Proposals should include researchers from a minimum of five COST countries. The application process is in two stages. Preliminary Proposals (maximum 1500 words/3 pages) are submitted online and should provide a brief overview of the proposal and its intended impact. The top ranked preliminary proposals will each be invited to submit a Full Proposal. The deadline for the next round of preliminary proposals will be announced by the end of November 2007.

For more information visit http://www.cost.esf.org/index.php?id=721