Short Term Scientific Mission

What Are STSMs?

Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are exchange visits aimed at supporting researchers’ individual mobility, strengthening existing networks and fostering collaboration. STSMs are intended especially, but not solely, for young researchers.

An STSM should specifically contribute to the scientific objectives of the COST Action while enabling those partaking in the missions to establish new partnerships, learn new techniques, gain access to specific data, instruments and/or methods not available in their own institutions/organisations.

Watch a COST Animation video about the Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs)

Who can apply?

STSMs are open to Early Career and Advanced Career Researchers, including PhDs and Postdocs. STSMs must be performed between COST countries – researchers cannot apply for an STSM within their own country.

Awards throughout the annual grant period will be made to support scientific excellence and to support a variety of researchers in terms of gender, career stage, affiliation, and nationality.

What can you apply for?

You can apply for a Short Term Scientific Missions duration between 5 and 90 days (and up to 180 days if the applicant is an ECR). The STSM will be a fixed grant to cover part of the travel expenses and living allowance. The cost of research materials is not eligible for consideration as part of the grant.

Please note that the awarded grant will be paid only after the STSM has been completed – therefore the applicant must have approval and prior financial support e.g., from their own institution.

How can you apply?

For a step-by-step guide to applying for an STSM and the criteria by which STSM applications will be assessed, please see here.

STSM awards may be combined with other funding sources, but these must be acknowledged in the application.
In your application, you will have to describe the goal of the proposed STSM, how it contributes to the scientific remit of the COST Action “SharingAndCaring”, the planned expenses and the outputs planned as result of the STSM. For ECIs, two support letters by advanced career researchers will be required.

For detailed rules regarding eligibility and financial support, please see the relevant sections of the COST Annotated Rules.

For further queries please contact the STSM committee at info@cosmoanelixis.gr

2022/23 CALL is now OPEN

For further queries please contact the STSM committee at info@cosmoanelixis.gr

Short Term Scientific Mission – APPLY NOW