Would you like to strengthen your European research network or take your first step into EU collaboration without the complexity of a full research grant? Are you aware of the EU COST Action programme?

COST Action programmes are EU-funded networking schemes that connect researchers across countries and disciplines. COST Actions do not fund research, but support collaboration, mobility, and knowledge exchange.

Being part of a COST Action has many advantages such as:

• Strong European networking with leading researchers across disciplines and countries
• Flexible, bottom-up collaboration on emerging or interdisciplinary research topics
• Career and skill development, through training schools, short-term stays and leadership opportunities also for early-career researchers (travel expenses are covered by the programme)
• Strategic preparation for future Horizon Europe funding – collaboration regarding consortia and proposal creation

If you are interested in learning more about COST Action, Fundraising and Project Management (F&P) strongly recommends participating in the following two-step approach:

1. Nordic COST Information Session (12 May, 13:30–15:00, online)
Organised by the national COST Action coordinators across the Nordic countries, this session will provide an introduction to COST Action participation, including insights from current COST Action network participants. Please note that the session focuses on participation in COST Action networks (not the application process).
More information and registration:
https://ufsn.dk/aktuelt/arrangementer/faellesnordisk-digitalt-infomoede-om-cost/
Participation is free.

2. AAU Follow-up Session (20 May, 13.30-15.00, in-person meeting in Aalborg, online participation possible for Esbjerg and Copenhagen)
Location: TMV25 A.301, AAU INNOVATE, Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9000 Aalborg
Following the Nordic session, AAU will host a targeted follow-up session focused on:

• How COST Actions can be used strategically in your research
• How AAU (F&P) can support you in developing a COST application
• Short experience-based inputs from AAU researchers involved in active COST Actions sharing, for example how they became part of a COST network and what they gain from participating

This session is designed to be practical and directly relevant for those considering engaging with COST Actions.

Registration: COST Action Information Meeting – Fill out form

What you will gain:

• An understanding of whether COST Action is relevant for your research
• Insight into how COST Action differs from other EU funding schemes
• How to identify the right COST Action for you
• Awareness of available support at AAU

We recommend attending both sessions to gain general overview and practical, AAU-specific guidance.