OPEN CALL

European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST)

(2007/C 169/09)

COST brings together researchers and experts in different countries working on specific topics. It finances networking of nationally funded activities in supporting meetings, conferences, short term scientific exchanges and outreach activities. COST therefore does NOT fund research itself. Currently more than 200 scientific networks (Actions) are supported.

COST invites proposals for Actions contributing to the scientific, technological, economic, cultural or societal development of Europe. Proposals playing a precursor role for other European programmes and/or initiated by early-stage researchers are especially welcome.

Developing stronger links amongst European researchers is crucial to building the European Research Area (ERA). COST stimulates new, innovative, interdisciplinary and broad research networks in Europe. COST activities are carried out by research teams to strengthen the foundations for building scientific excellence in Europe.

COST is organised in nine broad Domains (Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences; Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and Technologies; Earth System Science and Environmental Management; Food and Agriculture; Forests, their Products and Services; Individuals, Society, Culture and Health; Information and Communication Technologies; Materials, Physical and Nanosciences; Transport and Urban Development). The intended coverage of each Domain is explained at www.cost.esf.org.

Proposers are invited to locate their topic within one Domain. However, inter-disciplinary proposals not fitting readily into a single Domain are also welcome and will be assessed separately.

Proposals should include researchers from a minimum of five COST countries. Financial support in the range of EUR 100 000 p.a. for normally 4 years can be expected.

Proposals will be assessed in two stages. Preliminary Proposals (maximum 1500 words/3 pages), submitted using the on-line template at www.cost.esf.org/opencall should provide a brief overview of the proposal and its intended impact. Proposals not conforming to the eligibility criteria of COST (e.g. requesting research funding) will be excluded. Eligible Proposals will be assessed by the relevant Domain Committees in accordance with the published criteria at www.cost.esf.org. The top ranked Preliminary Proposals will each be invited to submit a Full Proposal. Full Proposals will be peer reviewed according to the assessment criteria at www.cost.esf.org/opencall. The decision will normally be taken within six months of the collection date and the Actions should expect to start within three months thereafter.

The collection date for Preliminary Proposals is 30 September 2007. Approximately 75 Full Proposals will be invited for final selection of approximately 25 new Actions.

Full Proposals will be invited by 10 November 2007 for submission by 15 February 2008, with decisions expected in June 2008.

Proposers may wish to contact their national COST Coordinator (CNC) for information and guidance — see www.cost.esf.org/cnc.

Proposals must be submitted on-line to the COST Office web site.

COST receives financial support for its coordinating activities from the EU RTD Framework Programme. The COST Office, administered by the European Science Foundation (ESF), acting as the implementing agent for COST, provides the scientific secretariat for COST Domains and COST Actions.