Given the special situation with the pandemic that makes any planning difficult, there are not official collection dates, but allow them at any time. However, please consider a review-evaluation process of at least 15 days, and consider the recommended and latest start date for the given STSM (the mission should be executed within de defined Grant Period).
STSM and COVID19 considerations
* Applicants must obey heath care policy regulations of their Home and Host countries prior, during and after their missions.
* Applicants must check official travel guidelines both at their home and host countries to ensure that the mission can be carried out as proposed and approved.
* Applicants are encouraged to take actions that guarantee reimbursement of travel expenses in case the mission must be cancelled due to outbreak and/or lockdown in the home or host country.
How to apply?
The application overview is provided in the Userguide:
https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2018/11/STSM-userguide-for-website-Oct-2018.pdf
The application process is as follows:
1. Applicants must submit their application using e-COST (https://e-services.cost.eu/user/login/STSM). If the applicant does not already have an e-COST account, she/he will first need to 'create an account' - which will include providing the details of the bank account where the grant will be lodged if the application is approved and the mission successfully completed.
2. Applicants must obtain a letter of invitation from the Host Institution confirming that they can undertake the STSM on the given dates should their application be approved. The letter should be from a Senior Researcher (e.g., Host research group leader, head of unit, program, etc)
3. Applicants must complete, submit and download their STSM application online at: https://e-services.cost.eu/stsm.
4. Applicants must also send their application form and the relevant supporting documents for evaluation to Grant Awarding Coordinator and Grant Holder Manager (see below).
Required documents
1. An invitation letter from the Host relevant researcher.
2. A letter including an overview of the proposed activities that will be performed, a workplan for the visit, a description of the proposed contributions to the scientific objectives, an outline of the host's scientific expertise/resources in support of the STSM. The letter should be maximum 8 pages, the font should correspond to Times New Roman size 12 pt with single line spacing and standard margins of 2 cm.
3. A short CV (max 5 pages) of the applicant including a list of academic publications, if applicable.
4. Please also indicate in your e-mail which of the Working Group(s) your STSM may be included.
The applications should describe the goal of the proposed STSM, how it contributes to the aims of LOBSTERPOT, as well the objectives, expected results and outcomes, and planned expenses.
How is it evaluated?
The selection of successful STSM applicants will be based on scientific scope of the proposed mission and how the mission can support LOBSTERPOT in achieving its scientific objectives, pondering diversity and inclusiveness. A STSM Committee will assess each application within the defined grant period.
The evaluation panel is comprised by:
- Grant Awarding Coordinator
- Chair or Vice Chair or Grant Holder Scientific Representative
- Involved WP leaders
The panel may require external expert and impartial advice to inform their decision. The committee will make a list of approved applications and perform the budgetary assessment of the applications according to the COST Vademecum. If approved, the STSM coordinator sends application and approval to Grant Holder & Action Chair for final check. Then, the Grant Holder sends the applicant a grant letter to sign and return. The STSM should not be started until this letter has been signed and returned.
Criteria for evaluation:
- The relevance and application of the research to the field of the Action, and the quality and clarity of the proposed research. A detailed work plan, timeline and methodology will help determine if the scientific aims of the work will be relevant and applicable to the Action’s aims.
- Consideration of the number of applications from each institution to ensure a fair spread of researches across the network. Involvement of ITC countries will be a plus.
- The profile of the researcher considering the background and potential of successfully completing the STSM on the basis of their previous work and achievements commensurate to their career stage.
- The letters of support provided by Home and Host researchers.
- The publication/output potential of the research carried out, which will be based on the STSM work plan and detailed outcome plan.
Applicants will be notified of the result of their evaluation within 15 days after submission.
Questions & Contact
Grant Awarding Coordinator: Miquel Angel Pujana (mapujana@iconcologia.net )
Grant Holder Manager: Nikki Giron (N.Giron@umcutrecht.nl )