Grants

Call for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) Applications 2025

What are STSMs?

Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are exchange visits between researchers or innovators involved in the ORBIT COST Action. These missions allow participants to:

  • Advance their research by accessing expertise, facilities, or datasets not available in their home institution.
  • Foster collaboration and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an STSM, applicants must:

  1. Be actively affiliated with a participating institution in the ORBIT COST Action.
  2. Be an Early Career Investigator (ECI) or a researcher from an Inclusiveness Target Country (ITC), though applications from senior researchers are also welcome.
  3. Have a research proposal that aligns with the scientific objectives of the Action.
  4. Obtain a letter of acceptance from the host institution prior to applying.
Checklist for Evaluating STSM Applications
  • Affiliation: Is the applicant actively affiliated with a participating institution in the ORBIT COST Action?
  • Host Institution: Is the host institution in a different country from the applicant’s home institution?
  • Duration: Does the STSM duration comply with COST Action rules (typically 5 to 90 days, or up to 180 days for Early Career Investigators)?
  • Clarity of Objectives: Are the research goals clearly defined and achievable within the STSM period?
  • Methodology: Is the research methodology sound and appropriate for the project?
  • Expected Outcomes: Does the application outline clear, measurable outcomes, such as publications, collaborations, or further research developments?
  • Growth potential: Does the candidate clearly explain how the STSM will support their personal and professional growth?
  • Alignment with Action Objectives: Does the proposed research align with the scientific objectives of the ORBIT COST Action?
  • Contribution to Working Groups: Does the proposal specify how the STSM will contribute to a specific Working Group within the ORBIT COST Action?
  • Broader Impact: Does the research contribute to the overall goals of the ORBIT COST Action?
  • Feasibility: Is the STSM feasible within the time frame and resources available?
  • Experience and Expertise: Assess the applicant’s CV, academic publications, and previous work on the STSM proposal.
  • Early Career Investigators: Give special consideration to Early Career Investigators (ECIs).
  • Suitability of Host: Is the host well-equipped to support the proposed research (e.g., facilities, expertise)?
  • Confirmation of Support: Does the host provide a strong letter of support?
  • Budget Justification: Is the requested budget reasonable and well-justified based on the STSM duration and costs?
  • Financial Limitations: Does the budget adhere to the financial limits (€2000) set by the ORBIT COST Action?
  • Geographical Inclusiveness: Give preference to applicants from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs).
  • Gender Balance: Consider gender balance as a factor when selecting applications.
Financial Support
  • Funding Coverage: Grants cover travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs, up to €2000 per STSM.
  • Reimbursement: All expenses will be reimbursed based on actual costs and must comply with COST rules.
How to Apply for an STSM

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Applications need to be submitted through e-COST via https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants
  2. The application will be assessed by the Grant Awarding and approved by the Core group leaders
  3. The applicant will be formally notified of the outcome of their STSM application by the Grant Awarding Coordinator no more than 4 weeks after the application was received.

Successful applicants need to complete and submit a STSM report, within 30 days from the end date of the activity, or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period, whichever date comes first.

Application Deadline
Application for 2025 Closed
Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, learn, and advance your research in the ORBIT COST Action!

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