The COST Action EUPopLink (CA23102) announces a call for applications for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs). STSMs support short research visits aimed at fostering new collaborations and inspiring research among EUPopLink partners.
Duration and Location
All STSM activities must be completed by May 31, 2026.
Content and Focus
STSMs will focus on:
- EUPopLink survey-related activities: Including questionnaire translation/adaptation, and the design and implementation of expert surveys.
- International cooperation: Collaboration with international survey projects to enhance methodological alignment and data comparability.
Financial Support
Successful applicants may receive a grant of up to €2,000.
Obligations
EUPopLink Survey-related Activities
- Contribute to the development of EUPopLink surveys: https://eupoplink.eu/node/14
- Focus, where relevant, on countries that have not yet completed questionnaire translations.
- Assist in compiling a list of relevant national experts for each country.
Cooperation with International Projects
- Contribute to collaborative activities with international survey projects.
- Enhance methodological alignment between EUPopLink and the partner project.
Alignment & Deliverables
- Ensure the mission is fully aligned with EUPopLink’s objectives.
- Produce tangible outputs (e.g., translated questionnaires, documented procedures, or expert shortlists).
Reporting and Grant Claims
Within 30 days of completing the activity, grantees must submit the following via the e-COST system:
- A formal claim for the payment of the grant.
- A scientific report to the Action MC detailing the main achievements and planned future follow-up activities.
Eligibility
An STSM consists of a research visit to a host organization located in a different country than the applicant's country of affiliation.
- Open to Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) and Senior Researchers.
- Applicants must be enrolled in an official research program (PhD/Postdoc) or be employed by/affiliated with a research-performing institution.
Priorities
Applications must include a well-designed work plan and a justified budget,reflecting the travel distance, duration, and intended outputs of the mission. Priority will be given to:
- Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) and researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC).
- Members of EUPopLink Working Groups (gender balance will also be considered).
- For Survey Tasks: Native speakers from countries not yet covered by EUPopLink (see: https://eupoplink.eu/node/14) visiting a host active in the EUPopLink survey implementation.
- For International Survey Projects: Applicants actively participating in the EUPopLink survey. The host must be the project's Headquarters/Secretariat or the host of its General Meeting.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 (12:00 PM Brussels time).
- Results Announcement: March 6, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your application via e-COST. You may need to create an account first. Select Action Number CA23102. For detailed guidance, please consult the COST Action Grant Awarding Guide.
Required Documents:
- STSM Grant Application (e-COST template).
- Written confirmation from the host institution agreeing to receive the applicant.
- Specified dates, duration, and host details.
- Bank details.
Clarifications
The COST Association and the Grant Holder of the Action cannot be considered as being an STSM grantee’s employer. STSM grantees must make their own arrangements for all provisions related to personal security, health, taxation, social security and pension matters.
Questions? Contact Grant Awarding Coordinator Dr Egle Butkeviciene (egle.butkeviciene@ktu.lt) or the EUPopLink Scientific Secretaries (eupoplink@polsci.auth.gr).
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