What is a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM)?
These STSMs offer researchers the opportunity to conduct short visits to research institutions or laboratories in another COST country to foster collaboration, strengthen networks, and facilitate knowledge exchange among researchers. By participating in STSMs, grantees gain access to research institutions or laboratories in other COST countries, enabling them to learn new techniques, to use advanced equipment and methods, and to contribute to the scientific objectives of the Action. This unique opportunity will allow grantees to expand horizons, establish fruitful collaborations, and make significant strides in their research endeavours.
Participating in the COST Action STSM program is a great opportunity to develop collaborative work on research topics that are related to the strategic objectives of ROOT-BENEFIT Working Groups (WGs) or to introduce new ideas that address these objectives. We encourage researchers to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their scientific knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their respective fields.
The COST Action ‘Beneficial root-associated microorganisms for sustainable agriculture’ (ROOT-BENEFIT) is pleased to announce its 1st call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs).
Detailed content and goals of each WG are indicated in the Action’s Memorandum of Understanding or MoU (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22142/).
Funded STSM must align with at least one (or more) of the following topics:
| Working Groups | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Functional characterization of beneficial microorganism diversity |
| 2 | Molecular mechanisms associated with beneficial interaction networks |
| 3 | Ecological and economical services provided by the root beneficial interaction networks |
| 4 | Managing and improving beneficial interaction networks under field conditions |
Guidelines for applicants
- Successful participants are financially supported with grants contributing to travel, accommodation and meal expenses. Grantees are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel, accommodation and other logistic questions.
- STSMs must be completed before end of September 2024. While there is no maximum duration for visits, the minimum visit should be at least 5 days, including travel time.
- The deadline for submitting applications is March 22nd. Notification of decisions will be made by April 12th.
- STSM grants are awarded up to a maximum of 4,000€, but average demands around 2,000€ are expected. A detailed budget is requested for the application.
- The STSM grants are open to people working in academic or private sector who are associated with a legal entity in a COST Full/Cooperative Member, Near Neighbour Country, or European RTD organization. While all eligible candidates are can apply, young researchers and innovators are particularly encouraged to participate.
Evaluation of applications
The ROOT-BENEFIT Grant Awarding committee will assess each proposal individually and provide an evaluation score based on several factors including:
- a) The clarity and quality of the proposal.
- b) The degree to which the proposed STSM complements or contributes to the strategic priorities and objectives of the Action as defined in the MoU.
- c) The feasibility of the planned work plan and outputs, and the ability of the STSM applicant to disseminate relevant outputs.
It is important that the proposal clearly demonstrates how the proposed STSM will benefit both the applicant and the Action.
The top proposals will be awarded the STSM grants to fill the budget allocated to the STSMs.
For question regarding the applications, please contact Jenny.renaut@list.lu.
Criteria considered for final decision after evaluation
- Geographical distribution of applicants across the same STSM call
- Gender balance across the same STSM Call
Application instructions
- To apply for an STSM, applicants must utilize the e-COST management tool. It is mandatory for all applicants to possess an e-COST profile at https://e-services.cost.eu/.
- Along with the necessary information provided on the website, applicants are required to upload specific documents in a single PDF file:
- A brief CV that highlights recent publications/outcomes.
- The STSM proposal outlining the research objectives and methodology using the STSM Grant application template (https://www.cost.eu/STSM_GrantApplication).
- The requested budget in euros and the justification of the foreseen expenses.
- A confirmation letter from the host institution and a support letter from home institution.
Applicants who require further information on the submission process via the e-COST system can refer to the Grant Awarding User Guide (https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2021/12/Grant-Awarding-userguide.pdf).
After completing the STSM, the recipient must submit a brief report outlining the results of their visit (see template here https://www.cost.eu/STSM_Report). The report must be submitted no later than 30 days following the end date of the STSM, or 15 days before the end of the Grant Period (October 31st), whichever comes first. It is important to note that if the report is not submitted on time, the grant will be revoked. Once the report has been approved by the Grant Awarding committee (STSM coordinator, Grant holder, WG leaders and Chair), the grant payment is expected to be processed within 30 days.
Grants are paid after the completion of the mission and approval of all required report/documentation. However, STSMs grantees may request up to 50% pre-payment of the approved grant.
