Short-term scientific missions (STSM)
A call for STSM is currently open until the 1st of November, for STSM taking place from the 15th of November to the 31st of March 2024.
Another call will be open in December only if the allocated budget is not entirely spent in the current call.
What are STSM?
Short-term scientific missions (STSM) are exchange visits between researchers involved in a COST Action, allowing a scientist to visit an institution or laboratory in a country different from the scientist home affiliation. The start and end date of a STSM must be within the active Grant Period of the Action. Their aim is to foster collaboration in excellent research infrastructures and share new techniques that may not be available in a participant’s home institution or laboratory.
A synthesis of STSM rules is found here. More information can be found in Annex 2 of the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
How to Apply?
Calls for Short Term Scientific Missions applications are periodically opened and published on this website. In response to a call, applications are first submitted on the e-COST website https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants/add. You may find here the documents to be uploaded on e-COST.
The following documents must also be e-mailed to the responsible for STSM, Prof. Enrica Martini (martini@dii.unisi.it):
– document generated by e-COST,
– a letter of invitation from a researcher affiliated to the Host institution,
– a motivation letter including a work plan detailing the proposed activities,
– a support letter from the Home Institution,
– a CV, including a list of academic publications if applicable.
Applications must be eligible (see Annex 2 of the Annotated Rules for COST Actions) and in line with the Action research topics.
The applications will be ranked by the STSM responsible together with the WG leaders based on
– scientific quality
– feasibility of the approach proposed,
– benefit to the development of the COST Action
The selection will follow the COST policies on inclusiveness (gender, age, geography).
The final ranking will be approved by the Action Chair and Co-Chair.
The researchers who applied to the call will receive the results of the selection from the STSM responsible.
The selected researchers should wait for the official invitation from the Grant Holder before booking any travel arrangements.
