As defined in the COST Mission statement, COST provides networking opportunities for researchers and innovators in order to strengthen Europe’s capacity to address scientific, technological and societal challenges. To do so, COST funds bottom-up, excellence-driven, open and inclusive networks for peaceful purposes in all areas of science and technology. According to COST Vision statement, COST is aiming at becoming the leading open networking tool in the ERA.
In order to continue to pursue its Mission and Vision, the COST Strategic Plan defines three strategic priorities for the remaining part of Horizon 2020 and in Horizon Europe:
Promoting and Spreading Excellence
Fostering interdisciplinary research for breakthrough science
Empowering and retaining young researchers and innovators
To implement those strategic priorities, COST focuses its efforts on strengthening its core business and implementing a range of complementary activities.
The COST Association is the beneficiary of a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) following the H2020 2019-20 Work Programme. The COST Association is an AISBL under the Belgian law with an integrated governance, management and implementation functions, creating the base for a responsible and accountable organisation where the COST Full Members have direct control.
The legal and financial frame for the COST Association operations is provided via a Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) and subsequent Specific Grant Agreements (SGAs). An overall budget of EUR 300 million was foreseen for the duration of the FPA covering the total Horizon 2020 period.
The proposal covers the first reporting period of SGA3 for a duration of 12 months, 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2020.
