Virtual Mobility Grant on Data Harmonization of Comparative Cross-National Survey Data on Populism and Euroscepticism
The COST Action EUPopLink (CA23102) invites applications for a Virtual Mobility Grant (VM) to support collaborative work on the harmonization of existing comparative cross-national survey datasets measuring populist attitudes and Euroscepticism.
This Virtual Mobility Grant represents the first step towards the development of a Harmonized Database on Populism and Euroscepticism within the framework of the Data WG, a shared research resource that will facilitate comparative analyses, foster methodological transparency, and support future collaborative research within the network of COST Action EUPopLink (CA23102).
Objective
The objective of this Virtual Mobility Grant is to bring together methodological and substantive expertise to identify, compare, and harmonize some survey measures of populism and Euroscepticism across existing comparative cross-national surveys.
Scope of the Activity
The successful applicant will work mainly with the chair, vice-chair of the Action and the leader and vice-leaders of Data Working Group virtually to:
- identify comparative cross-national surveys that include measures of populism and/or Euroscepticism;
- review and compare question wording, conceptual dimensions, response categories, and survey designs;
- identify conceptually equivalent items across surveys;
- develop harmonization protocols and methodological guidelines;
- produce some harmonized variables where feasible
Expected Outputs
The Virtual Mobility Grant is expected to produce:
- an inventory of survey items measuring populism and Euroscepticism across selected comparative cross-national datasets;
- a harmonization framework identifying comparable indicators and documenting methodological decisions;
- a preliminary example of harmonization of some variables
- a brief report with recommendations for the further development of the Harmonized Survey Database.
Financial Support
Successful applicant will receive a contribution of up to €1000 toward the preparation and implementation of the expected outcomes as presented above
Eligibility
The Virtual Mobility Grant is open to:
- Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI);
- Applicants must have a research profile that fits the main aim of EUPopLink.
Priorities
Priority will be given to:
- Members of EUPopLink Data Working Group (gender balance will also be considered).
- Applicants actively participating in the EUPopLink survey.
- Applicants enrolled in an official research programme (e.g. PhD or postdoctoral level)
Evaluation criteria:
Applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating their knowledge and experience in the field of the project. The application should provide evidence of: (a) data harmonization; (b) the use of cross-national survey data for analysis; and (c) data quality assessments, as demonstrated through publications and conference presentations.
Deadline for application: August 30, 2026, 12:00 PM Brussels time.
Decision process and announcements of results: September 7, 2026.
End of the virtual mobility grant: September 30, 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, including specific reference to the applicant's native language
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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