1. European Cooperation in Science and Technology
COST
INGA DADESHIDZE
COST Science Officer
COST INFO DAY,
SCIENCE and INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL FEST
2nd October, Tbilsi, Georgia

2. COST Association Contact Point
Action Science Officer / Administrative Officer
Action Chair / Vice Chair
Horizon 2020 NCP Coordinator in Georgia
Ms Natia Gabitashvili
Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia
Tel:
Science Officer Dr. Inga Dadeshidze
Tel: +32 (0)
COST Action Contact Point

3. COST European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Introduction to the COST Framework Programme
Outline
What is COST and how does it work?
What are the COST Actions and how to participate in them?
How to prepare a successful proposal?
How to participate as a COST expert?

4. What is COST and how does it work?

5. COST European Cooperation In Science and Technology
“The trick to having good ideas is not to sit around in glorious isolation and try to think big thoughts. The trick is to get more parts on the table.” Steven Johnson, Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation

6. What is COST?
COST (COoperation in Science and Technology) is the longest-running European framework supporting cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars by enabling them to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all fields in science and technology, including social sciences and humanities.

7. European framework for cooperation in S&T
What is COST?
European framework for cooperation in S&T
37 countries and beyond
Leverage of R&D funds
Open
~300 COST Actions
Founded in 1971
Bottom-up

8. European at heart but with global reach
COST enables breakthrough scientific and technological developments leading to new concepts and products. It thereby contributes to strengthening Europe’s research and innovation capacities. Through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities COST Actions
European at heart but with global reach
Sharing, spreading, disseminating knowledge
Boosting nationally research investments
Providing equal opportunities and removing bottlenecks
Customer-focused
Flexible with light administration
“Clear and long standing European added value”

9. COST Association The implementing structure for COST activities
Intergovernmental organisation with 36 COST Members + 1 Cooperating Member on board
Established in September 2013 as an international not-for- profit organisation under Belgian law, location in Brussels
COST Association organisation is composed of President, Vice-president, Committee of Senior Officials, Executive Board, Director and Administration
Dr Ronald de Bruin was appointed Director of the COST Association on 1 June 2016;
Prof. Dr Sierd Cloetingh was appointed as President of the COST Association on 22 June 2017; Vice-President: Ms Annette Borchsenius
COST organisation features the Ministerial Conferences, the COST National Coordinators and the Scientific Committee

10. COST Association organisation and relation with other actors
Ministerial Conferences (every five years)
Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) - General Assembly
Scientific Committee (SC)
Executive Board
COST Association
COST Association Administration (incl. SOs, AOs)
COST National Coordinators (CNC)
Important to mention:
1. COST Association – legal entity in Belgium
2. CSO decision body of the Association, responsible among others for the approval of the Actions to be financed
3. Executive Board – legal representatives; responsible for decisions related to the individual Actions (e.g. participation of non COST countries)
4. SC – will look at the progress reports (what else?)
5. CNC – the Main Proposer should know them already 
6. COST Association, where the SO and AO work, among other people
7. Ministerial Conference: get together of high-level people to confirm their support to and appreciation of COST work.
COST Actions

11. 1 2 3 Role of COST in the ERA – 3 Strategic Priorities
Promoting and spreading excellence
Fostering interdisciplinary research for breakthrough science
Boosting careers young researchers 1 2 3

12. Priority 1. Promoting and spreading excellence
Everyone Benefits
COST plays an active role in the Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation policies of the European Union, by providing access to international networks for excellent researchers and innovators who may lack sufficient involvement at the European and international level. As concerns about the innovation divide in Europe moves up the agenda in the years to come, COST should play an even more important part of the effort to realise Europe’s potential in research and innovation. The ultimate goal is to increase active participation of less research intensive countries and to disseminate their knowledge in various scientific domains where the more research intensive countries are in deficit.
Researchers and scientists perceive COST as a vector to build the right network, whilst saving costs and time to find and connect with the right partners. The bottom-up and open nature of the COST Actions makes the entrance barrier for participants coming from less research intense areas very low. Participation in COST activities is an entry point to the often closed European collaborative research networks.

13. COST Action TU1306 - CYBERPARKS
Priority 2. Fostering interdisciplinary research for breakthrough science
COST Action TU CYBERPARKS
Fostering knowledge about the relationship between Information and Communication Technologies and Public Spaces supported by strategies to improve their use and attractiveness
Cooperation across disciplines and areas of science, as well as with stakeholders outside the science system is an essential precondition to achieving real breakthroughs in research and innovation. Collaborative, bottom-up research projects will enhance European excellence and bring clear added value by drawing together various kinds of expertise, knowledge and cultures. The open nature of bottom-up research allows researchers the freedom of thought and attracts contributions of various science disciplines, leading to solutions to societal challenges and identifies new emerging topics. Interdisciplinary research often results in discoveries and innovations that, in turn, will help the European Union to realise its ambition to boost jobs, economic growth, investments, and improve the quality of life of its citizens and the environment.
COST’s activities are clear examples of putting the theory of interdisciplinary research into action. Within the COST Actions, open networks of excellence are created in all scientific fields, and knowledge is freely shared among all types of specialists using bottom-up principles. COST Actions are characterized by their pluralism and heterogeneous nature, both in participants and in activities. The report on the Science, Research and Innovation Performance of the EU in 2016 clearly indicates that international mobility or researchers is a key source of knowledge circulation, and that it yields positive impacts in terms of scientific quality, innovation and growth. With every new encounter and exchange, there is a new chance for the right mix of perspectives and information to come together and kick off the research and innovation process.
This figure shows the number of participants classified by their expertise profile and their participation to each Action. Actions are also classified by science and technology areas. This shows that, for example, not all the experts on natural sciences are in natural sciences’ Actions, but also in engineering, medical sciences and agriculture sciences Actions.

14. Priority 3. Boosting careers of young researchers
Researchers’ career development
and complementary funding schemes
ERC Advanced Grant
ERC Consolidator Grant
Post-docs
Senior
Professor
Students
Post
Graduates
Junior Professor/
Junior Researcher
Associated Professor
Full Professor
ERC Starting Grant
Marie-Skłodowska-Curie
Erasmus+
Bottom-up networking schemes

15. One networking instrument: the Action
COST Features
One networking instrument: the Action
Open participation (involve all stakeholders, type of institutions, career levels, countries, at any time)
Bottom-up approach (researcher driven, any topic/ multiple topics)
Flexible (adaptable research and activities)
* 300 running Networks of researchers: from min 7 COST countries, responding to an Open Call for proposals, based on a MoU, 4 years duration, implemented via networking activities

16. COST Features
Output oriented (open science, wide sharing of knowledge and results, open access, open innovation)
Why Networks? Knowledge sharing leads to…
Common understanding of problems at hand
Coordinated activities
Pooling resources
Reduced risks
Synthesis and re-combination of spread pieces of knowledge
Innovation
Synergies (1+1>2)
Knowledge sharing leads to..
Participants in, for example, a research project need to share knowledge in order to create a common understanding of problems at hand,
and to coordinate activities. This applies to information seeking, interpretation, analyses etc including timing and sequencing of research tasks and reporting.
New knowledge (innovations) seem often to arise from synthesis and re-combination of spread pieces of knowledge (disruptive innovation). These are pieces already existing here and there, and which may serve quite new functions when put together in new and innovative ways. There is a common understanding that networking creates synergies, where 1+1 is more than 2.

17. 3 level scientific classification
6 Main Fields of Science:
Natural Sciences,
Engineering and Technology,
Medical and Health Sciences,
Agricultural Sciences,
Social Sciences,
Humanities
41 Sub-fields of Science…
719 areas of expertise (research areas)
New scientific classification covering the whole spectrum of research topics at the service of multi-disciplinarity and bottom-up approach
- Widely implemented at COST (expert, proposal, Action level)
- Proposers can specify up to 5 areas of expertise
- Evaluators will be selected on the basis on the areas of expertise they entered in their profile
- Flexible approach: no permanent bodies (ad-hoc Review Panels per collection as clustering changes for each collection - depending on the proposals)

18. What are the COST Actions and how to participate in them. http://www

19. COST Actions – characteristics
A network of researchers, engineers and scholars with nationally funded research
From at least seven COST member Countries
Collaborating in S&T fields of common interest
Expandable to new participants
300 running Actions

20. COST Actions – characteristics
Based on a 4 years joint work programme (MoU)
Submitted, evaluated and selected through an Open Call for proposals
Implemented through a range of networking activities (Meetings, Workshops, Short Term Scientific Missions, Training Schools, etc.)
Average annual support of EUR
Pursuing the fulfilment of the objectives and deliverables described in the Memorandum of Understanding of the Action

21. 37 COST members

22. COST members’ Action participation in 2016

23. Excellence and inclusiveness (widening the European research base)
Core policies
Excellence and inclusiveness (widening the European research base)
Strengthening the excellence through cross-border networking of researchers
Promoting geographical, age and gender balance throughout its activities and operations
Specific objectives
International cooperation (mutual benefit, NNC,…)
Industrial dimension (dedicated dissemination and exploitation activities)
Geographic pillar (support to less research intensive countries, connecting pockets of excellence,…)
Career pillar (support to young researchers: leading roles, access to STSM/TS)
Gender pillar (Gender balance)

24. COST Inclusiveness Target Countries

25. Measures to reinforce the participation of researchers from ITC
COST Action proposals must have a minimum ITC amongst represented countries in the proposal
Reserve at least 1 of the leadership position in an Action for participants from ITCs
Conference grant for PhD students and Early Career Investigators
COST Academy (leadership trainings, mentoring scheme targeting young ITC researchers)
Pre-financing for ITC participants in STSM

26. Enhance international cooperation
Guiding principle: ascertained mutual benefit
New Statutes introduces clear criteria for membership
Continued tailored approach to Near Neighbour Countries
Enabler for countries associated to Horizon 2020

27. Participation in a COST Action
Based on ascertained Mutual Benefit
In the proposal, as secondary proposer
By contacting the Action Chair (Fast procedure)
Support from COST: participation to meetings, STSM and training school

28. Near Neighbour Countries
Example of Action

29. Eastern Partnership Countries participation in COST Actions October 2016

30. International Partner Countries

31. Key figures 2016 1) >25000 supported researchers
2) 2700 Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) 3) 4500 Trainees in Training Schools

32. Stepping stone for young researchers
96% STSM participants indicated improved career opportunities as a consequence of their participation
Springboard for further funding (ERC Grants and MSCA)
Action FA1005 (Improving health properties of food by sharing our knowledge on the digestive process) led to 29 research project with 10 mio in funding
Following the COST Impact Assessment dating back to 2014, 22 COST participants had received an ERC grant

33. Reasons for participation of SME’s: Network and Information driven
Participation in COST Actions allow SME’s
To find partners for research projects and proposals
To stay up-to-date with new research
To exploit new technologies
To retrieve first-hand information
To know the key researchers in a specific field
To increase European/international visibility
820 SMEs are currently involved in COST Actions
Targeted impact assessment of participation of non-academic partners in COST Actions (2016 Study)

34. Examples of Industry and SMEs
COST Action FA1305: The EU Aquaponics Hub - Realising Sustainable Integrated Fish and Vegetable Production for the EU:
In the Management Committee there are 5 MC members that are coming from SMEs
COST Action FA1402: Improving Allergy Risk Assessment Strategy for new food proteins (ImpARAS)
The Vice Chair of the COST Action is from Unilever

35. Association Administration
COST Action Structure
MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE
(MC)
GRANT HOLDER
(GH)
COST
Association Administration
WG1
WG4
WG2
WG5
WG3
WG6

36. Action Management Committee (MC)
Decides and coordinates scientific & networking activities
Supervises the allocation and use of funds
Decides on international cooperation and dissemination strategy
Implements COST policies (excellence and inclusiveness)
Key roles: Chair, Vice-Chair, Grant Holder, WG leaders, Science Communication Manager,…
MC nominees have a role of national representative in the Action
Up to 2 members nominated by their respective COST National Coordinator (CNC) + MC observers
Key roles: Chair, Vice-Chair, Grant Holder representative, WG leaders, Dissemination leader,…
CORE GROUP: Prepare MC decisions
Decision making body: decide on the Action structure (key roles, WG), decide on international participation

37. 3 to 6 WG as set in the proposal
Action Working Groups
3 to 6 WG as set in the proposal
Perform specific research tasks as set in the Memorandum of Understanding
Open to participating COST member countries and approved international participations
Ad hoc meetings
All MC Members involved
Any researcher from Participating COST Member Countries can be involved – contact the WG leader/National representative

38. Meetings (participation and organisation)
Supported activities
Meetings (participation and organisation)
Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM)
Training Schools
Dissemination activities and meeting
Reviewing (proposals/Actions)
Reimbursement rules: see Vademecum
Meeting organisation also included
STSM: Exchange visits fostering collaboration, contributing to the scientific objectives of the Actions and allowing participant to learn new techniques, to have access to data/instruments/methods not available in their own institution
TS: intensive training on a subject that contributes to the aim of the Action (new or emerging subject)
Dissemination meetings
- Reimbursement - 30 day rules: claim submitted <30 days after the activity, payment <30 days after submission of claim

39. Join an Action
Search existing Actions in your topic from the COST website
Browse the Action’s own website – check their activities
Find if your country participates and, if yes, who is/are the national representatives
Contact the relevant person

40. Join an Action – who to contact?
As a Management Committee (MC) member
Contact: CNC (and MC Chair)
As a Working Group (WG) participant
Contact: national MC representative or WG leader
Short Term Scientific Missions, Training schools, Workshops,…
Contact: see Action website

41. Search an Action/contact

42. Elected by the Management Committee
Grant Holder
Elected by the Management Committee
Signs the yearly Grant Agreement with the COST Association
Receives and administers the Grant according to the Work and Budget plan (3 instalments)
Average Grant: EUR /year
May retain up to 15% of the yearly expenses
Financial reporting to COST
Reimburse the individual participants according to the Vademecum
Vademecum - Reimburses (30 day rules)

43. How to prepare an Action proposal

44. Open Call for proposals
Open to all S&T fields
contributing to the scientific, technological, economic, cultural or societal knowledge advancement and development of Europe
closing the gap between science, policy makers and society throughout Europe and beyond
providing for knowledge share, knowledge creation and application
being open and output oriented while aiming at strengthening the S & T basis of the proposed topic(s)
responding to COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy

45. Open Call for proposals
New Submission, Evaluation, Selection and Approval (SESA) procedure follows the subsequent phases:
Submission: by a Main Proposer on behalf of a network of proposers
Evaluation:
External Remote Evaluation by Individual External Experts
Revision and Quality Check by Ad hoc Review Panels
Selection: COST Scientific Committee (SC)
Approval: COST Committee of Senior Officials (CSO)

46. Step 1: External Remote Evaluation
3 Independent External Experts
COST Expert data base
Fields and sub-fields of Science and Technology and, if needed, Key Words
Validated by Scientific Committee
Remote peer-review evaluation
Remote consensus shall be sought between the independent External Experts
The consensus shall not be imposed; independent External Experts may maintain their views on the proposal
Eventual differences in opinion of the experts resulting in a non-consensual decision will be handled and arbitrated by the Review Panel

47. Step 1: External Remote Evaluation
Proposals are evaluated only on the basis of the evaluation criteria

48. Step 2: Revision and Quality check
By ad hoc Review Panels
Review Panels - active researchers, engineers or scholars
Appointed by COST National Coordinators
Ad hoc Review Panels set by the COST Association
Reviewing and validating all the Consensus Reports and marks
Resolving the differences in opinions among the Independent External Experts
After validation of consensus reports and marks, rank the proposals above the threshold
For the proposals above the threshold, identify those that indicate emerging issues or potentially important future developments

49. Step 3 - Selection by the Scientific Committee
37 high-level experts representing the 36 COST Member Country and 1 Cooperating state
Appointed by and reports to CSO
Shall select among the ranked list of proposals received from the Review Panels by discriminating among proposals with the same mark range, taking into account the COST mission and policies
Balanced COST Action portfolio, by ensuring the coverage of all S&T fields
Shall submit the final ranked list of selected proposals to the CSO for approval.

50. Open Call for proposals
anytime submission
next collection: 25 April :00 noon (CET)
30 to 40 Actions approved in each collection, subject to budget availability
one-stage online submission
by a Main Proposer (on behalf of a network)
7~8 months evaluation period
guidelines and template on cost.eu/opencall

51. Open Call for proposals – key documents
Source: cost.eu/opencall
Online submission
Guidelines
Proposal template

52. Open Call for proposals - eligibility
coordinated by a main proposer in a COST Full or Cooperating Member state
represent a network of proposers from at least 7 COST Full/Cooperating Member states (min. ICT)
anonymous: no reference to the participants in the network of proposers
peaceful purposes
respect the word or page limits
written in English

53. Online submission tool (e-COST)**

54. Open Call for proposals - submission
SECTIONS
GENERAL FEATURES
Online tool
Expertise needed for Evaluation
TECHNICAL ANNEX
PDF upload
MAX 15 Pages
Figures and Pictures - Copyright
REFERENCES (optional)
500 words
COST POLICIES & SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1000 words
Excellence and Inclusiveness
International Cooperation
Industrial Dimension
NETWORK of PROPOSERS
Minimum 7 researchers from 7 COST Member/Cooperating State (ICT share)
Statistical Information used for evaluation

55. Open Call for proposals - submission
SECTIONS
SUB-SECTIONS
S&T EXCELLENCE
Challenge
Objectives
Progress beyond the State-of-the-art and Innovation Potential
Added value of networking
IMPACT
Expected Impact
Measures to Maximise Impact
IMPLEMENTATION
Description of the Work Plan
Management Structures & Procedures
Network as a whole

56. Express your interest:
Become a COST Expert
New experts can express their interest via the COST Expert online registration form (
An updated Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications is required to demonstrate competence in specific areas of expertise
As a COST expert, you will have opportunity to:
Contribute to the evaluation of COST OC proposals;
Participate in the assessment of Action results and outcomes;
Take a part in the assessment of COST strategic activities.
Express your interest:

57. Thank you
COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Avenue Louise 149
1050 Brussels, Belgium
twitter.com/COSToffice