What is COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)?

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) serves as a European framework dedicated to facilitating collaboration in scientific and technological research. It enables international research alignment through dedicated initiatives known as COST Actions, providing a unique structure for European coordination.

A key characteristic of this framework is that it does not fund primary research activities directly, but focuses on fostering scientific cooperation and network building. Through this approach, it connects researchers and innovators across Europe and globally. Member states themselves—rather than individual research institutions—are members of the COST program; in the Czech Republic, it falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

Purpose and Objectives

The core mission of the COST program is to bridge national research systems, thereby enhancing Europe's capacity to respond to contemporary scientific, technological, and societal challenges.

Primary objectives include:

• Providing opportunities for international networking and establishing collaborative research networks,
• facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge and promoting interdisciplinary approaches,
• connecting nationally funded research to a global level.

What Is Funded

Because COST does not provide direct grants for research itself, its financial support—which is usually awarded for a four-year period—is directed exclusively toward tools that foster mutual collaboration:

• Organization of conferences, working meetings, workshops, and training schools,
• short-term scientific missions (research visits and stays at foreign institutions),
• activities related to communication and the dissemination of research results into practice.

Who It Is For

• Researchers and scientists from all fields of science and technology,
• innovators and specialists in technological domains,
• universities, academic entities, and research institutions in participating member countries.