ANNOUNCEMENT: COST Info Day – programme of networking scientific teams and encouraging international cooperation – 17 September 2019, Podgorica

The Ministry of Science of Montenegro and COST Association are organising an Info Day dedicated to European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Programme on 17 September 2019 in Podgorica, primarily with a view to promote some of the activities under this important Programme. The Info Day will be opened by Dr. Sanja Damjanović – Minister of Science, and Dr. Ronald de Bruin – COST Director.

The exceptional importance of this Programme is reflected in the networking of scientific teams and the promotion and strengthening of international scientific cooperation. Key features of the Programme include high reputation of the association and the cooperative environment in COST actions and their openness (especially for young researchers). During Horizon 2020 (the largest European Union research and innovation programme, with funding amounting to EUR 78.6 billion for the period of 2014-2020), particular emphasis was placed on supporting excellence, openness and inclusion, as well as on support to new ideas and knowledge sharing.

Ever since its establishment in 1971, COST has been funding research networks / projects – COST actions. A COST action is a project dedicated to scientific cooperation, complementing national research funds and offering open space for collaboration among scientists across Europe (and beyond), thus fostering progress and innovation in research. In this manner, COST supports the networking of researchers through scientific and technology networks, which are open to: all fields of science (including interdisciplinary), new and original (innovative) ideas, partners (public and private, large and small) and researchers at all stages of their careers (young and experienced researchers). Under the Programme, scientists and researchers have the opportunity to propose research topics themselves. COST actions are a great opportunity to exchange experiences with scientists around the world and an ideal starting point for young researchers to enter the world of science, primarily thanks to specific strategies for engaging young researchers.

An “average” COST action includes about 25 countries, has an annual budget of about EUR 130,000 and lasts four years. The United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Greece, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Israel and Turkey are the leading countries in terms of participation in COST actions. COST does not fund research directly; instead, the Programme budget is aimed directly at the costs of support and cooperation of different institutions in a COST action (project), including the organisational costs of workshops, training schools, short-term scientific visits, etc.

Currently, our country participates in 100 (of the existing 248) ongoing COST actions, with 45 projects completed in which our scientific teams and researchers have taken part.

On 17 September, in Hotel Hilton, the representatives of the COST Association from Brussels, Dr. Ronald de Bruin and Ms. Judith Litjens will familiarise those present at the event with the current possibilities of participation in the Programme, promotion and spread of research excellence and impact through networking.

The procedures for participation of researchers from Montenegro in the Programme will be presented by Milena Milonjić – National COST Coordinator, whereas the experience of previous participation in COST Programme will be presented by successful participants of COST actions from Montenegro.

The entire event will be held in English.

The agenda is available HERE.

Please confirm your participation in the Info Day event by 15 September, via e-mail: milena.milonjic@mna.gov.me

We are looking forward to seeing you on 17 September at 9:30 a.m. at Hotel Hilton!