To support individual mobility, strengthen existing networks, foster collaboration between COST Action participants through exchange visits. STSMs contribute to the scientific objectives of the COST Action while strengthening capacity building.

Applicants must be engaged in an official research programme as a PhD student or postdoctoral fellow or may be employed by, or affiliated to, an institution or legal entity which has within its remit a clear association with performing research.

* The COST Association and the Grant Holder of the COST Action may not be considered as being an STSM grantee’s employer. Grantees must make their own arrangements for all provisions related to personal security, health, taxation, social security and pension matters.

Before the STSM

Applicants must:
– Obtain written agreement from the Host institution that the STSM applicant may perform the activities detailed in the STSM work plan on the agreed dates;
– Complete an online STSM application;

Evaluation of the application
and selection of the Grantee

– Evaluated by STSM Committee (Core Group)
– Criteria:
1. Quality and feasibility of the workplan.
2. Quality and feasibility of the Prospected Outcome
3. Suitability of the applicant to execute the workplan and to reach the Prospected Outcome
4. Benefits of the STSM for the applicant (visitor)
5. Benefits/ contributions of the STSM for the COST Action CA 18137

After the STSM

The STSM grantee is required to submit a short scientific report to the Host institution (for information purposes only) and to the STSM Committee (Core Group) for formal approval within 30 days after the end date of the STSM.

– Fixed grant, minimum 5 days including travel.

– Taken within one grant period.

An STSM Grant is a fixed financial contribution which takes into consideration the budget request of the applicant and the outcome of the evaluation of the STSM application. STSM Grants do not necessarily cover all expenses related to undertaking a given mission. A STSM Grant is a contribution to the overall travel, accommodation and meal expenses of the Grantee.

The calculation of the financial contribution for each STSM respect the following criteria:

• Up to a maximum of EUR 2 000 in total can be afforded to each successful applicant;
• Up to a maximum of EUR 160 per day can be afforded for accommodation and meal expenses.
• Up to a maximum of EUR 300 can be afforded for travel costs.

Applicant in a Home Institution

Located in a Participating COST Full or Cooperating Member

To perform a STSM in a Host Institution

– In another Participating COST Full or Cooperating Member; In a Participating COST Partner Member;
– Action MC Observer from IPC;
– Action MC Observer from NNC;
– In EU Commission, Bodies, Offices and Agencies;
– In an Approved European RTD Organisation;
– In an Approved International Organisation;

Applicant in a Home Institution

An NNC Action MC Observer

To perform a STSM in a Host Institution

In a Participating COST Full or COST Cooperating Member

Applicant in a Home Institution

Located in an Approved European RTD Organisation

To perform a STSM in a Host Institution

In a Participating COST Full or COST Cooperating Member