COST is the longest-running European framework supporting trans-national cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe.COST is the longest-running European framework supporting trans-national cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe.
It is a unique means for them to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all fields in science and technology, including social sciences and humanities, through pan-European networking of nationally funded research activities. Based on a European intergovernmental framework for cooperation in science and technology, COST has been contributing - since its creation in 1971 - to closing the gap between science, policy makers and society throughout Europe and beyond. As a precursor of advanced multidisciplinary research, COST plays a very important role in building a European Research Area (ERA).
It anticipates and complements the activities of the EU Framework Programmes, constituting a “bridge” towards the scientific communities of COST Inclusiveness Target Countries. It also increases the mobility of researchers across Europe and fosters the establishment of scientific excellence.
COST Mission
COST aims to enable breakthrough scientific developments leading to new concepts and products. It thereby contributes to strengthening Europe’s research and innovation capacities.
In order to achieve its mission, COST endeavours to:
- Build capacity by connecting high-quality scientific communities in Europe and worldwide
- Provide networking opportunities for Early Stage Researchers (ESR)
- Increase research impact on policy makers, regulatory bodies and national decision makers as well as on the private sector.
Through its inclusiveness policy, COST supports the integration of research communities, leverages national research investments and addresses issues of global relevance.
COST is thus a building block of the European Research Area, instrumental for successful innovation strategies and global cooperation.
Further information on COST
For more details on COST, see www.cost.eu