CALL FOR SHORT TERM SCIENTIFIC MISSIONS (STSMs)

1. IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline for applications: on a rolling basis

Grant period: from 1 November 2025 to 25 October 2026

STSM duration: from five days to two months

2. OVERVIEW

Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are institutional visits by researchers aimed at fostering cooperation and collaboration. STSM consists of a research visit to a host organization located in a different country than the country of affiliation of a researcher for a specific work package to be carried out and for a determined period of time (please see the COST Annotated Rules, pp. 95-103). STSMs should contribute to the scientific objectives of CoREx which are outlined in detail in the Memorandum of Understanding.

3. ELIGIBILITY

The STSMs are intended for researchers contributing actively to any of the Working Groups within the CoREx project. PhD students, postdocs and senior researchers are eligible to a grant. The aim of any STSM shall be to contribute to the scientific objectives of CoREx. Candidates can contact any member of CoREx, propose a plan of the visit and ask for their support to host them. We encourage early career researchers, female researchers and participants from ITC countries to apply.

4. GRANT

The STSM Grant is a contribution up to maximum 4.000 EUR to the overall travel, accommodation, and meal expenses of the grantee. Please note that this is the absolute maximum and that you should request a realistic amount. Please also note that STSMs don’t support research costs. Up to a maximum of 160 EUR per day can be spent on accommodation and meal expenses. The awarded grant will be paid only after the STSM has been completed in accordance to STSM conditions.

5. APPLICATION

Please read the COST Annotated Rules, Grant Awarding User Guide before applying.

The STSM application procedure will be conducted online via the e-COST platform. The following documents are required:

• STSM Application Form filled in on e-COST.

• CV (max. 3 pages including relevant academic publications).

• Motivation letter for STSM indicating the main scientific goals, work plan, contribution to CoREx working group(s), expected outputs, budget outline (up to 1500 words).

• Host agreement letter: letter of agreement from the host institution signed by the host.

The letter must clearly show the institution’s acceptance of the proposed period for the visit and of the proposed work plan of the applicant.

• Recommendation letter by someone from your home institution (only if you are a PhD student, postdoc or research assistant).

• You may also include copies of any relevant (draft) papers or articles.

6. EVALUATION

STSM applications are evaluated by the Grant Committee including Grant Awarding Coordinator, Action Chair and Action Vice Chair. The Grant Committee evaluates all STSM applications within approximately 10 days after the deadline. The selection of STSM applications is based on the scientific quality of the proposed STSM and, most importantly, how the STSM contributes to any of the four working groups in achieving the scientific

objectives of CoREx. The Committee will also assess feasibility of the proposed activities, the academic profile of the applicant, and the output potential of the STSM. Gender balance, career stage, and geographical inclusiveness will be considered. The CoREx Grant Committee decides on the final financial contribution, taking into consideration available resources, the budget requested, the scope, the duration, and the location of the STSM.

Once the selection process is complete, the applicant receives a formal notification through e-COST informing him/her about the outcomes of the evaluation process. If the application is funded, the applicant receives a Grant Letter stating the approved amount and the conditions for receiving the Grant. The applicant cannot start his/her mobility period before having

received the Grant Letter.

7. REPORTING AND GRANT PAYMENT

After the completion of the STSM, the grantee is required to submit a report via e-COST within 30 days after the STSM has been completed. The report should cover the implementation of the aims and objectives of the STSM, achieved results, and dissemination of the work that was performed. Upon approval of the scientific report by the Grant Awarding Coordinator, the grant will be processed and paid directly to the grantee.

CONTACTS

• Grant Awarding Coordinator – Tiina Randma-Liiv, tiina.randma-liiv@taltech.ee (questions related to the application procedure and

organization of the STSM)

• Action Chair / Vice Chair – Thurid Hustedt, hustedt@hertie-school.org / Tobias Bach, tobias.bach@stv.uio.no (questions related to the CoREx objectives)

• Action Grant Holder Manager – Nino Münch, n.muench@hertie-school.org (questions related to the e-COST, Grant Letter and financial matters)