For many years, COST Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) have played a crucial role in the COST framework by providing researchers with a valuable tool for deepening their connections with other institutions and researchers. STSMs allow researchers to visit organisations and institutions in other countries around the world for the purpose of training, collaboration, and exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise. This is especially important for young researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs). By increasing exposure and access to new opportunities, these researchers can benefit greatly from the STSMs.

One of the unique features of STSMs is that they are open to applicants from all career stages. Additionally, STSMs are a highly flexible COST instrument, allowing for a wide range of options in terms of host selection, thematic focus, and activities conducted.

On a yearly basis, over 2000 STSMs are organised all over Europe and beyond.

Recently, to better understand STSMs and their contributions to the Actions, the COST Association commissioned Technopolis to conduct an Impact Assessment Study on Short-Term Mobility, which was carried out between March and October 2022. This study assessed 44 STSMs of diverse characteristics and duration, through interviewing the researchers involved in the research stays.

The study found that STSMs are utilised for a diverse range of activities and goals, including discussions on research topics, networking opportunities between the grantee and researchers at the host institute, collaborative research, learning new methods, and using the host institution’s research infrastructure. 

Source: COST Newsletter. More information.