STSM

CALL FOR Short-Term Scientific Missions

COST Action AI-4-NICU is pleased to announce the call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM)

Aims of Grant

· contribute to the visibility of COST as an open, flexible, and inclusive funding programme
· offer a valuable experience in support of career development
· further the scientific aims and objectives of the Action
· strengthen the existing network by allowing Researchers and Innovators to foster collaboration in a face-to-face setting
· exchange knowledge, learn new techniques, disseminate the Action results, etc.

Financial Support

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.

An STSM Grant is a contribution to the overall travel, accommodation, and meal expenses of the Grantee. Calculation of the financial contribution for each STSM must respect the following criteria:

· up to a maximum of EUR 4000 in total can be afforded to each successful applicant
· must be completed before 18/10/2023
· must deliver a report on the STSM mission within 30 days after the end of the STSM. If the STSM ends later than 1/10/23, then the report should be submitted within 10 days.

☑ Assessment Criteria

Contribution to Action objectives and realistic budget planning are the major criteria for the application ranking. Gender, geography, age (e.g. Young Researcher, defined by COST as <40 years of age), and qualifications of the applicant will be taken into consideration when evaluating the proposals. Applications should be in line with the Action objectives and scientific activities as stated in COST Action CA20214 Memorandum of Understanding (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA20124/)

📝How to Apply

The applicant should prepare an application as follows:

Obtain a written agreement from the host institution that the STSM applicant can perform the activities detailed in the STSM work plan on the agreed dates

In e-COST, provide title, start and end date and budget requested by the applicant.
Prepare and upload project proposal using the template provided (https://www.cost.eu/STSM_GrantApplication) describing goals, background, project work-plan, expected outcomes in relation to the Action objectives, and budget details.

Include a full CV, with publication list. 
Complete the online application form on the e-COST portal (see https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants) and upload all the requested documents.

More details can be found at https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2021/12/Grant-Awarding-userguide.pdf

Ranking criteria will include assessment of:

Scientific quality, originality/novelty, and contribution to the scientific goals of the Action (see MoU for more details on this)

Feasibility of the approach and realistic planning of the application
Benefit of the STSM to the applicant, host and home institutions, and potential benefit to the Action

Application, approval, and payment procedures are managed through the e-COST portal.

📖 Reporting

After the STSM: Immediately after the completion of STSM (within 30 days after the end date of the STSM, or within 10 days after the end date if end date is later than 1/10/23), the Grantee is required to upload a scientific report to the e-COST platform (applicant is notified) and the host approval containing:

Purpose of the STSM
Description of the work carried out during the STSM
Description of the main results obtained
Future collaboration with host institution (if applicable)
Foreseen publications/articles resulting or to result from the STSM (if applicable)