The COST Action EUPopLink (CA23102) announces a call for applications for Virtual Mobility (VM) Grants. Virtual Mobility Grants support online collaborative activities aimed at strengthening cooperation among EUPopLink partners.
Duration and Location
All Virtual Mobilities must be completed by July 20, 2026.
Content and Focus
Virtual Mobility Grants under this call specifically support the preparation of D1.2: Report about the causes and consequences of populism and Euroscepticism in each country and the measures that might have been used to mitigate their negative consequences.
Financial Support
Successful applicants will receive a contribution of up to €500 each, toward:
● The preparation and submission of the required scientific report.
● The overall effort involved in completing the Virtual Mobility activity.
Obligations and Expected Outputs
Applicants must ensure their activity aligns with the focus of this call and results in a tangible contribution. Expected outputs include:
- Working with the WG1 Leader, Vice-Leaders and the Action Chair, to develop a comprehensive and collaborative document during the Virtual Mobility.
- Creating a well-organized and comprehensive compilation of sources related to the causes and consequences of populism and Euroscepticism in each country, based on the EUPopLink Country Reports published in ORE (Open Research Europe).
- Identifying measures that may have been used to mitigate the negative consequences of populism and Euroscepticism.
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.
Eligibility
Virtual Mobility Grants are open to:
- Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) and Senior Researchers;
- Participants capable of contributing directly to the preparation of this report.
- Applicants must have a research profile that fits the main aim of EUPopLink, studying Euroscepticism and/or populism.
Priorities
Priority will be given to:
- Members of EUPopLink Working Groups (gender balance will also be considered).
- Applicants actively participating in the EUPopLink.
- Applicants enrolled in an official research programme (e.g. PhD or postdoctoral level), or employed by or affiliated with a research-performing institution;
Evaluation
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis during the call period. Early application is encouraged. Evaluation will consider:
● Quality and feasibility of the proposed work plan;
● Ability to critically analyse and synthesize evidence from the EUPopLink Country Reports published in Open Research Europe (ORE), including the identification of key drivers, societal and political impacts, and mitigation measures adopted in each country.
Timeline:
Deadline for application: June 28, 2026, 12:00 PM Brussels time.
Decision process and announcements of results: July 1, 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:
- Virtual Mobility Grant Application (e-COST template).
- CV (Curriculum Vitae).
Questions? Contact Grant Awarding Coordinator Dr. Egle Butkeviciene (egle.butkeviciene@ktu.lt) or the EUPopLink Scientific Secretaries (eupoplink@polsci.auth.gr).