Here you can find the general rules as defined by the COST association. Explicit application guidelines for RATIONAELE will be published soon. 
For specific questions please contact our Grant Awarding Coordinator, Laurynas Gilys <Laurynas.Gilys@kaunoklinikos.lt>

Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) are research visits to a host institution in another country, enabling participants to carry out collaborative work and contribute directly to the objectives of the COST Action.

Purpose

The STSM Grants aim to:

  • support scientific collaboration between institutions;
  • enable knowledge transfer and skill development;
  • provide access to expertise, methods, or equipment;
  • contribute to the scientific objectives of the COST Action;
  • strengthen long-term research partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

  • Participants of RATIONALE
  • Researchers with a planned visit to a host institution in a different country
  • Applicants with a clearly defined work plan aligned with the Action

A formal agreement with the host institution must be in place before applying.

What is supported?

STSM Grants support research visits such as:

  • experimental work
  • data analysis
  • development of methods or tools
  • preparation of joint publications

The duration of an STSM typically ranges from a few days to several months.

Financial Support

The STSM Grant provides a financial contribution towards:

  • travel
  • accommodation
  • subsistence

The grant amount depends on the duration and location of the mission and is determined by the Grant Awarding Committee.

The grant is paid after completion of the mission and submission of the required report.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the e-COST platform.

Required documents:

  • STSM proposal (objectives, work plan, expected outcomes)
  • invitation letter from the host institution
  • CV
  • budget estimate

Applications are evaluated based on their scientific quality and relevance to the Action.

Post-Mission Requirements

After the STSM, successful applicants must submit:

  • a scientific report describing the work performed and results achieved
  • confirmation from the host institution
  • information on expected outputs (e.g. publications, collaborations)

The STSM report template can be downloaded here. It must be submitted through the e-COST platform.

Failure to submit the scientific report within 30 days will effectively cancel the grant.