COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a European Union–funded international cooperation programme that supports the exchange of knowledge and the development of innovation among scientists, especially early-career researchers, and professionals in the fields of science and technology. It offers a unique opportunity for researchers and innovators to build interdisciplinary scientific networks - COST Actions - that address pressing societal challenges while also opening new directions for research.
Since Latvia joined the COST programme in 1999, representatives of Latvian scientific institutions and other organisations have participated in 840 COST Actions, four of which have been coordinated by Latvian representatives. Since 2015, the number of Latvian participants in COST Actions has doubled. Last year, more than 265 individual participants from Latvia’s science and innovation community were involved, representing not only natural and engineering sciences but also the humanities and social sciences. COST support covers mobility, training, meetings, and short-term scientific missions for researchers and specialists across disciplines - opportunities that are particularly valuable for young scientists and doctoral students.
"The COST program is a privilege to be among like-minded people (and minds) with whom you can exchange knowledge and skills, as well as collaborate to create something brilliantly new, not only in the European Research Area, but also in Latvia. The opportunities provided by COST Actions are the key to expanding the opportunities for Latvian researchers and specialists to address contemporary challenges and build collaborations jointly," says Dr. sc. ing. Linda Vecbiškena, country representative of the COST Committee of Senior Officials, about the importance of COST Actions, representative of the Latvian Council of Science in Brussels.
Mobility Opportunities for Researchers
COST Action projects last up to four years and provide funding for conferences, training, and short-term research visits, promoting international collaboration and innovation. COST Actions foster professional development by offering various mobility opportunities:
- Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM): Visits of up to 90 days to other COST member states.
- Training Schools: Specialised courses and workshops for acquiring new skills and knowledge.
- Conferences and Seminars: Support for participation in international events.
- Virtual Mobility: Online collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling participation regardless of location.
These activities are open to both early-career and experienced researchers seeking to expand their professional networks and gain international experience.
"International cooperation in science plays a crucial role and is a defining feature of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE). By sharing knowledge and combining it with our partners', we achieve our project’s goals and contribute to a shared scientific narrative. Such cooperation breaks down prejudices, fosters coexistence of diverse competencies, and enhances knowledge exchange and relationships among researchers," says Prof. Dr. sc. ing. Jānis Ločs, project leader of BBCE, reflecting on his COST experience.
One of Latvia’s success stories, the establishment of the BBCE, became possible thanks to participation in COST Actions and the international connections developed through them. The project aims to create a platform for advanced biomaterials research based on long-term strategic cooperation between the AO Research Institute Davos (Switzerland), the Biomaterials Centre of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany), the Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering at Riga Technical University, the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, and Riga Stradiņš University.
"COST is a highly effective and powerful tool that helps build networks essential for advancing a research career. The COST Action NEWGEN became a turning point in my work — it enabled me to showcase Riga’s potential and establish closer collaboration with partners in Germany and Switzerland who later joined the project," emphasises Prof. Ločs.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for new COST Actions and national representatives vary. Calls are open throughout the year; however, specific dates can be found on the official COST website and on the individual project pages.
Benefits and a Call to Action
Participation in COST activities allows researchers and professionals from various fields to gain international experience, collaborate with leading experts, receive funding for conference participation and training, and build long-lasting professional connections.
"Participation in COST Actions has broadened my horizons and enabled collaboration with colleagues from across Europe and beyond in addressing current scientific and societal challenges. It is an invaluable experience that inspires and promotes growth — both professionally and personally. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to seize the opportunities COST offers — join working groups, apply for Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM), attend training schools, or take on leadership roles. Each year, new COST Actions are approved across diverse research fields, and I truly believe that every researcher can find an initiative and colleagues suited to their expertise," says Ph.D. Karīna Bāliņa, researcher at the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.
