1. Purpose of a Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) under SlowMemo
The main objective of the COST Action SlowMemo – Slow Memory – (CA20105) is to develop the concept of slow memory as an approach to understanding and responding to grand-scale transformation. Bringing together theoretical approaches both from the field of memory studies and disciplines such as environmental science and engineering, law, political economy and Indigenous Studies, we will set new research agendas. Achieving this goal includes fostering collaboration across disciplines and geographic regions, with a focus on PhD students, Early Career Scholars and researchers from Inclusive Target Countries (ITCs).
STSM are aimed at sustaining the production of specific tangible outputs, such as STSM reports, collaborative projects, joint publications, presentation in a COST Action Meeting or an external conference to a wider scientific community, potential stakeholders, contacts for new collaboration. STSM are aimed also at promoting less tangible outputs, e.g., knowledge exchange, transfer of skill and techniques, increased visibility and awareness of COST Action, networking.
2. Specific information concerning STSMs
Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) consist in a visit of a host organization located in a different country than the country of affiliation by a Researcher or Innovator for the specific work to be carried out and for a determined period of time. The STSM grant provides a contribution for travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses, implementation of the project, delivery of the report to the COST Action MC and overall effort. The Grantee can perform the mission anywhere in the world. The financial support is a contribution to the overall expenses incurred during the STSM and may not necessarily cover all of the associated outgoings. Participant grants are non-commercial transactions, therefore, claims as such are not subject to V.A.T deduction. Taxes normally due or applicable with respect to the payment of the grant are not to be deducted from amounts payable to participants. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure that all amounts that they receive from COST funding are compliant with their national tax rules and obligations.
The following funding conditions apply and must be respected:
- Up to a maximum of 4000 € in total can be awarded to each successful STSM applicant.
- The number of STSM approved and the amount granted for each individual STSM will be determined during the evaluation process by the STSM Coordinator, in cooperation with the Core Leadership.
STSMs must respect the following criteria:
- The Applicant and the Host institution are in different countries;
- The minimum duration is 5 days (including travel);
- There is no maximum duration, but STSM must be carried out entirety within 15 October 2022
- The applicant needs to show how the STSM will result in a specific deliverable that will contribute to the dissemination and visibility of the COST Action (working paper, blog post, presentation, social media contribution, etc.)
3. Deadline for Applications
Due to the time restrictions the deadline for applications for an STSM grant is 21 September 2022.
4. Who can apply
STSM applicants must be engaged in a research programme as a postgraduate student or postdoctoral fellow or be officially affiliated to a public or private institution (Home institution). Participation of Young Researchers / Innovators (<40 year old) in STSM is encouraged.
5. How to apply
Eligible applicants should follow these steps
5.1 – Before submitting an application, obtain the agreement of the host institution on the work plan and proposed dates by means of an invitation letter signed by a senior researcher affiliated with the Host institution;
5.2 – Fill in e-COST (at: https://e-services.cost.eu/stsm):
- Title
- Start and end date (within October 15th 2022 );
- Budget requested by the applicant;
- Information about the host institution and contact person
5.3 – Upload to e-COST:
- Application form (template available on e-COST) describing: Goals, description of the work to be carried out, expected outcomes and description of the contribution to SlowMemo objectives (3 pages maximum);
- Confirmation of the host on the agreement from the host institution in receiving the applicant;
- Short Curriculum vitae (3 pages maximum);
- 1-page motivation letter;
- Letter of support from the home institution.
Applicants are informed that their application can be accessed by the holders of leadership positions and any evaluation Committees in AIM-COST Action for evaluation purposes.
6. Evaluation criteria:
- Scientific quality of the proposal (scientific level of the project and how it is correlated to the aims of the Action);
- Innovation in the networking connection (among countries/disciplines);
- Potential contribution to WG 7 (Dissemination and Communication) in the form of a working paper, presentation, blog post, social media contribution, etc.
The applicant will be formally notified of the outcome of their STSM application by the STSM Committee within 10 days after the submission of the proposal.
7. What is required after completing the STSM
The STSM Grantee has 30 calendar days from the end date of the mission to submit a scientific report to the Grant Awarding Coordinator. Grants are paid by the Grant Holder after the completion of the activity and approval of all required report/documentation, which includes confirmation by the Host institution of the successful execution of the STSM and short (3 page-max) description of:
- purpose of the STSM;
- report of work carried out during the STSM;
- main achievements;
- planned follow-up activities;
- foreseen publications/articles resulting from the STSM (if applicable)
For any questions regarding the STSM contact Vjeran Pavlaković: vjeranp@gmail.com
