2026 Funding Opportunity for New COST Actions

Deadline: 28-Oct-2026

The COST Open Call provides funding for pan-European networks of researchers and innovators to support collaborative science and technology networking activities. COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is an intergovernmental framework that enables researchers and innovators across Europe to collaborate through open and excellence-driven networks known as COST Actions.

About the COST Open Call

Established in 1971, COST has supported cross-border collaboration between researchers and innovators across Europe. The framework helps bridge the gap between science, policymakers, and society while strengthening Europe’s ability to address scientific, technological, and societal challenges. Through COST Actions, researchers and innovators can establish international networks and collaborate on shared research and innovation priorities. What Does the COST Open Call Fund? The programme supports networking activities that bring researchers and innovators together.

Eligible activities include:

- Working group meetings. - Short-Term Scientific Missions. - Training schools. - Workshops. - Conferences. - Publications. The funding is intended for networking and collaboration activities. It does not cover the direct costs of conducting research itself. How Much Funding Is Available?

Each COST Action receives approximately:

- €150,000 in the first year. - €180,000 per year for the following three years. - Up to €600,000 in total for eligible networking activities. The funding can therefore support a COST Action over a period of up to four years, subject to the programme’s funding structure and eligible activities. Focus on Open and Inclusive Networks COST Actions are designed to be open and inclusive networks. The programme places particular emphasis on: - Geographical balance. - Gender balance. - Participation of young researchers and innovators. - Inclusion of researchers from less research-intensive countries. - Strong participation from Inclusiveness Target Countries. These principles are intended to help create diverse and collaborative European research networks. Who Can Apply? Proposals must be submitted by a network of proposers affiliated with legal entities from at least seven COST Full or Cooperating Members. The proposed network must also meet specific participation requirements.

At least:

- 50% of the network must come from Inclusiveness Target Countries. - 40% of participants must be Young Researchers and Innovators. Applicants must also have a registered e-COST profile.

Eligibility Requirements for Proposals

To meet the programme requirements, proposals must: - Include proposers affiliated with legal entities from at least seven COST Full or Cooperating Members. - Include at least 50% participation from Inclusiveness Target Countries. - Include at least 40% Young Researchers and Innovators. - Be written in English. - Be submitted through the e-COST platform. - Be submitted by applicants with registered e-COST profiles. Applicants should ensure that their proposed network satisfies these conditions before submission. What Are COST Actions? COST Actions are collaborative networks that bring researchers and innovators together around common scientific and technological interests. Rather than funding the direct costs of research, COST Actions provide support for activities that help participants exchange knowledge, build partnerships, develop skills, and strengthen international collaboration. Activities can take place through meetings, workshops, training schools, scientific missions, conferences, and publications. Role of Young Researchers and Innovators Young Researchers and Innovators are an important part of the COST networking model. At least 40% of participants in the proposed network must be Young Researchers and Innovators. This requirement helps encourage the participation of emerging researchers and innovators in international scientific and technology networks. Inclusiveness Target Countries The COST Open Call places strong emphasis on participation from Inclusiveness Target Countries. At least 50% of the network must come from Inclusiveness Target Countries. This approach is intended to strengthen geographical inclusiveness and provide researchers from less research-intensive countries with greater opportunities to participate in European research networks. Geographical and Gender Balance COST Actions are designed to promote balanced participation across geographical and gender groups. The programme aims to create open networks that bring together researchers and innovators from different European countries and backgrounds. This helps broaden collaboration and strengthen the exchange of knowledge and expertise across the research community. What Does the Funding Not Cover? The COST Open Call supports networking rather than direct research expenditure. Therefore, the funding does not cover the direct costs of research itself. Applicants should structure their proposed activities around eligible networking activities such as meetings, scientific missions, training schools, workshops, conferences, and publications. Application Requirements Applicants must complete the application process through the e-COST platform.

Key requirements include:

- A registered e-COST profile. - A proposal written in English. - A network involving legal entities from at least seven COST Full or Cooperating Members. - At least 50% participation from Inclusiveness Target Countries. - At least 40% participation from Young Researchers and Innovators. - Submission through the e-COST platform. Why the COST Open Call Matters The COST Open Call provides researchers and innovators with an opportunity to build international networks and strengthen scientific collaboration across Europe. By supporting networking activities rather than direct research costs, COST Actions create opportunities for researchers to exchange knowledge, develop partnerships, improve skills, and connect sc