What is the purpose of an STSM ?

Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) are aimed at strengthening existing Networks and fostering collaborations by facilitating Researchers participating in a given COST Action to visit an Institution or laboratory in another Participating COST Country / an approved NNC Institution or an approved IPC Institution. A STSM should specifically contribute to the Overall scientific objectives of the COST Action, whilst at the same time enable eligible Researchers to learn new techniques or gain access to specific expertise, instruments and/or methods not available in their own institutions.  

The selection of applicants is based on the scientific scope of the STSM application that must be in line with the Action objectives. STSMs can take place according to the following rules : 

• Minimum duration of 5 days 
• Maximum duration of 90 days
• Early Stage Researchers (ESR) may extend the duration of the STSM beyond 90 days, the maximum duration is 180 days 
• All travels must be completed during the grant period of the Action 
• The home and host Institution should be located in different countries. STSMs within the same countries are not allowed

Financial Support

A STSM grant (maximum EUR 2 500) is a fixed contribution based on the budget requested by the applicant and the evaluation of the application by the MC Chair /STSM Coordinator or Committee. The aim of this grant is to support the costs associated with the exchange visit. This grant will not necessarily cover all expenses; it is intended only as a contribution to the travel and subsistence costs of the participant. 

The MC can approve differentiated country rates for daily subsistence, based on the cost of living in the respective country. 

Who is eligible to partake in STSM and how to apply ?

A STSM applicant must be engaged in a Research Programme as a PhD Student or a postdoctoral fellow or can be employed by , or affiliated to, an Institution or legal entity which has within ist remit a clear associatioin with performing scientific Research. 

Always satisfying the above requirement, whether a Researcher is eligible to receive a STSM grant depends on which country their primary affiliation is held. Once this has been established, eligibility can be determined by adhering to the stipulations in the following 3 categories : 

1. Reseachers holding their primary Affiliation at an Institution located in a Participating COST country are eligible to perform a STSM in another Participating COST country. A list of Participating COST countries can be found on the respective COST Action Webpage.  

2. For Researchers holding their primary Affiliation in a Near Neighbour Country(NNC), the consideration for being eligible to receive a STSM grant is linked to whether their Institution has been formally approved onto the Action or not - The eligibility Status of Researchers located in NNC is restricted to those affiliated to approved NNC institutions. The complete list of NNC can be found here.

3. For Researchers holding their primary Affiliation at a European RTD Organisation, the consideration for being eligible to receive a STSM grant is linked whether their Institution has been formally approved onto the Action or not. The eligibility Status of Researchers located in European RTD Organisations is restricted to those affiliated to approved European RTD Organisations. 

For more Information : Guide for Applicants