GENERAL INFORMATION ON STSM

STSMs are exchange visits aiming at supporting the mobility of applicants towards strengthening existing networks, promoting the establishment of new collaborations, and fostering cooperation between COST Action Participants. The STSMs must contribute to the scientific objectives of the COST Action (please consult Memorandum of Understanding https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21108/ and the workplan should be scientifically relevant. Please read for excellence and inclusiveness in COST action https://www.cost.eu/about/strategy/excellence-and-inclusiveness/.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

STSM is available for PhD students (engaged in an official PhD program) and postdoctoral fellows or anyone employed by or affiliated with an institution, organization or legal entity. Young Researchers(under 40 years of age) and applicants from the Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC)* are highly encouraged to apply for STSM and their applications will be prioritized.

* Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine (updated list 2023).

Home institution must be located in a Participating COST Full Member, COST Cooperating Member, Near NeighborCountry, or a recognized European R&D Organization. STSM Host Institution must be located in another participating COST Full Member, COST Cooperating Member, Partner Member, Near Neighbor Country, IPC/Third State.

For COST countries definitions: https://www.cost.eu/about/members/

ELIGIBLE COSTS

STSM covers traveling, accommodation, and subsistence expenses, implementation of the project, delivery of the report to the COST Action MD, and overall effort. STSM does not cover the cost of your research materials. You can apply for a maximum of 4000 €. There is no lower or upper duration limit; however, we recommend STSM duration between 5 and 90 days. Awardees will be paid only after the end of the STSM, securing prior financial support is highly encouraged. A pre-payment of up to 50% of the approved STSM grant can be requested and will be subjected to evaluation and funds availability. If you have any questions, please contact the STSM Coordinator or Grant Awarding Coordinator.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Call 1:

• Proposal submissions: 30 November 2023
• Notification of results: 15thDecember 2023

Call 2:

• Proposal submissions: 1st March 2024
• Notification of results: 15th March 2024

Call 3:

• Proposal submissions: 1st May 2024
• Notification of results: 15th May 2024

Call 4:

• Proposal submissions:  30 November 2024
• Notification of results:  15thDecember 2024

Note: Grants must be concluded by October 31st 2025
 

GUIDELINES ON GRANT SUBMISSION

STEP 1

Carefully read the funding rules detailed in Annex 2 of https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2022/12/COST-094-21-Annotated-Rules-for-COST-Actions-Level-C-V1.3.pdf

Download the Templates for the STSM application (https://netskinmodels-cost.com/stsm-grants) and fill in the requested information. Templates include:

• Letter of Host Institution
• Letter of Motivation
• Letter of Home Institution
• Budget

STEP 2

Create the STSM in your e-cost system (www.e-services.cost.eu). Bank account details will be required for grant payment in case of approval.

STEP 3

1. Create your application online in your e-cost system by clicking on the Grant Applications
2. Then, click on “Apply for grant”,
3. Select a Short-Term Scientific Mission grant. Fill in the form and save the application. Note: “Type” select “Short-Term Scientific Mission”, “COST Action” select “CA21108 – European Network for Skin Engineering and Modeling” and  “Grant period” select  “AGA-CA21108-2 (01/11/2023 – 31/10/2024)”.

STEP 4

Upload the required documents:

• STSM grant Application (from e-COST template)
• Letter of Host Institution
• Letter of Motivation
• Letter of Home Institution
• Budget

For further details please contact Gabriele Kulkoviene and Dr.IakowosKarakesisoglou,
Grant Awarding/STSMCoordinators: gabriele.kulkoviene@Ismu.it , iakowos.karakesisoglou@durham.ac.uk