European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Programme presented at Info Day in Podgorica

Info Day dedicated to European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Programme was held today, primarily with a view to promote the activities of this important Programme. The Info Day was opened by Dr. Sanja Damjanović – Minister of Science, and Dr. Ronald de Bruin – COST Director.

   

Video: Sanja Damjanović – ADDRESS 

In her opening address, Minister Damjanović said that the event aimed to draw attention to all the opportunities offered by the COST Programme to European researchers, including Montenegrin ones, as well as to honour the Montenegrin scientific community participating in the COST actions. i.e. projects. She also pointed out that Montenegro, as a member of COST Association, took part in 100 existing actions at present, which is an impressive number given the size of the country. Finally, Minister Damjanović invited all those present to play an active role in the event by asking questions and providing comments and suggestions, all with the aim of receiving concrete answers from both COST colleagues and Montenegrin researchers with many years of experience in COST actions.

   

Video: Ronald de Bruin, COST Director – ADDRESS

In his introductory speech, COST Director Dr. Ronald de Bruin reminded those present of the 45-year-long proven track-record of the Association in research collaboration, presenting the roles of the Programme in promotion and spread of research excellence, promotion of interdisciplinary research for science development and promotion and strengthening of young scientists’ and researchers’ careers.

   

Video: COST Info Day – programme of networking scientific teams and encouraging international cooperation in science

COST representative Ms. Judith Litjens presented the main idea underpinning the Programme, the manner of financing COST actions through conferences, training schools, and short-term scientific missions, which is of particular importance for the development of young researchers as it provides them with an opportunity to exchange experiences with researchers across Europe and the world.

In her presentation, she familiarised those present with the manner of participation in the projects: by proposing new actions (the call for proposals for new actions is constantly open), by joining the existing actions, and by participating in the proposal evaluation as independent external experts.

In the second part of the event, Prof. Zoran Popovski, a representative of the COST CSO from Northern Macedonia, presented an overview of the regional dimension of the COST Association in the Western Balkans.
As the National COST Coordinator, Milena Milonjić explained the procedures for participation of researchers from Montenegro in the Programme, whereas the experience of previous participation in the COST Programme was presented by successful participants of COST actions from Montenegro – Prof. Jelena Lazarević and Prof. Milena Đukanović from the University of Montenegro.