Short-Term Scientific Mission – STSM Grant
General Information & Funding Available
Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) grant supports researchers and innovators in visiting a host institution in another COST country or Near Neighbour Country to carry out a specific research or training project relevant to the goals of a RegulatoryToolBox COST Action. These missions foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and skill development, helping to strengthen networks and contribute to the Action’s objectives. STSMs are typically short in duration—ranging from a few days to a few months—and are open to participants at all career stages.
STSM budget in the 2nd Grant period has been set at €10.000, which allows for approximately 5 Short-Term Scientific Missions, based on an average cost of €2.000 per grant, in line with spending patterns across COST Actions. The amount granted will depend on the availability of the budget, the duration of STMS and location of the host institute and will be decided by the Action Core Group.
STSM grantees may request a pre-payment of up to 50% of the approved grant amount. This advance is subject to available funding and must be approved by the Grant Holder Institution. Requests should be submitted directly to the Grant Holder Manager.
A Virtual Mobility Grant supports collaboration among researchers across different countries by enabling virtual exchanges. It funds activities such as data analysis, writing papers, planning joint research, or organizing online workshops—all carried out remotely. The grant aims to strengthen the network of a COST Action, foster knowledge sharing, and support researchers who cannot participate in physical mobility.
The Virtual Mobility Grant provides financial support for the overall effort involved in the virtual collaboration, which may not be otherwise covered by the applicant’s employer or the Grant Holder Institution.
Each grant may be awarded up to €1.000, although for the second Grant Period, a total budget of €2.000 has been allocated—allowing for approximately 2 grants, based on an average cost of €1.000 per grant, in line with other COST Actions.
The final amount awarded is determined by the Action Core Group, following the evaluators’ recommendations, and should reflect the project’s scope and duration.
Eligibility Criteria – Who can apply?
STSMs are open for PhDs, Post Doctoral Researchers, and advanced career researchers employed at institutions in countries participating in the RegulatoryToolBox COST Action.
The visit of applicant to the host institution must last at least 5 calendar days, including travel time.
How to apply?
All applications must be submitted directly through the e-COST System. If you do not have an e-COST account yet, create one here: https://e-services.cost.eu/.
Once, you are in the system select “Apply for a grant”, and proceed under the “Short-Term Scientific Mission Grant” tab to start a new application.
The application will be evaluated by the RegulatoryToolBox grant awarding coordinator and reviewed by the Regulatory Toolbox CORE group. Priority will be given to applicants whose work is most closely aligned with the scope of the RegulatoryToolBox and thematically relevant to the activities of the Action’s Working Groups.
In the e-COST application form, you will need to provide the following details:
- Title of the proposed work to be conducted at the host institution
- Planned start and end dates (within the active Grant Period, should be finished before 31st October)
- Requested budget
- Information about the host institution and its contact person
Note: The host institution must be located in a different country than your country of affiliation.
You will also need to upload the following documents:
- A completed STSM application form (template available for download on e-COST)
- A letter of confirmation from the host institution, confirming their agreement to receive you
- Your CV
Post-Award
After completing the STSM, grantees must upload the required documentation to e-COST within 30 days in order to claim the requested budget.
The following document is mandatory:
- A final report addressed to the Action Management Committee, summarizing the work carried out, key outcomes of the STSM, and any planned follow-up activities or future collaborations.application form (template available for download on e-COST)
Need more information?
For all additional information and a guide on how to apply on-line see the COST ˝Grant Awarding User Guide˝ or contact the RegulatoryToolBox Grant Awarding Coordinator: Martina Modic ()