Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) consist in exchange visits between researchers participating in a COST Action. This kind of activity is allowing scientists to visit an institution or laboratory in another COST Member, Cooperating Member or Near-Neighbour Country joining the Action. The duration of such  missions may last up to six months. The aim of a STSM is to foster collaboration in relevant  research infrastructures and to share new techniques that may not be available in a participant’s home institution or laboratory.

Take a look to our last STSMs

How to apply?

For any information about the submission procedure for applicants or hosts, please contact our Grant Awarding Coordinator  Penny Labropoulou or Vice-Coordinator Vojtech Svatek.

Open Calls

Open Call for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) proposals for the 5th Grant Period.

Applicants

If you want to apply for an STSM, please follow the steps below:

  1. Read carefully Annex 2 of the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
  2. Obtain a letter of invitation from the Host Institution confirming that they can undertake the STSM on the given dates should your application be approved.
  3. If you do not already have an e-COST account, create one at https://e-services.cost.eu and upload your CV.
  4. Submit an application online at: https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants

Detailed information on the submission process, requirements and conditions, along with the evaluation criteria and the duration and funding of STSMs, is available at this document.

When to apply

You can apply for an STSM at any time until the 28th of February 2024 (or until the budget is spent) but the applications will be evaluated at set collection dates. Reminders will continue to be issued periodically to invite and encourage STSM applications. The number of granted proposals is determined by the available budget in each Grant Period.

For the 5th Grant Period (ending in April 2024), the collection dates have been set at: 31st January, 28th of February. STSM applications will be evaluated within 2 weeks after the collection dates. 

Note: Upon extraordinary conditions, the evaluation of an application may take place prior to the set collection dates, provided that the applicant adequately justifies this and the Grant Evaluation committee accepts this.