As part of the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) programme, a call for proposals for international research networks (COST Actions) has been launched. Under this year’s call, up to 80 new research networks will be funded, bringing together researchers and innovators to conduct a four-year study of a given topic. The deadline for submitting proposals via the e-COST platform is 28 October 2026.
COST actions typically consist of researchers from academia, small and medium-sized enterprises, public institutions and other relevant organisations or stakeholders. They are open to all scientific and technological fields, including new and emerging fields; they offer an inclusive, pan-European environment for individuals at all stages of their careers, where they can expand their professional research networks and advance their careers.
Funding covers the costs primarily of networking activities (meetings, workshops and conferences, short-term researcher exchanges, training, internships, virtual mobility). The research itself is not funded from these resources. The estimated budget for a COST action is EUR 140,000 in the first year of the project and an average of EUR 180,000 per year over the following three years.
Compared with previous years, this year’s call introduces several new features. One of these is an expanded network of proposers – previously, the network had to comprise at least seven organisations from COST countries, at least half of which had to be from countries with an inclusivity objective. Now, at least 40 % of proposers must be young researchers and innovators aged 40 or under. The rules on individual participation are also changing – within a single call, a person may only participate in one proposal for a new action, either as the Main Proposer or as the Secondary Proposer. Further changes are described in the article on the cost.eu website – What’s new.
Project proposals may be submitted via the e-COST online platform by 28 October 2026.
Useful links:
- News on the COST 2026 call – updates and changes to the rules (e-COST, network of proposers, etc.)
- COST 2026 documents and guidelines
- e-COST – online application platform
- How to join an existing COST Action
- List of COST Actions
Those interested in participating in the call for proposals or seeking assistance with preparing a project proposal may contact staff at the UP Project Service.
Source: COST