First call for Short Term Scientific Missions (STSM) and Conference Grants
19 March 2026
Apply by April 30, 2026! For information on how to apply, please read below.
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//// Calls for applications during Grant Period 1
During the first grant period (GP1), 2 calls are foreseen for STSM, VM, dissemination, ITC and YRI conference grant applications.
The deadlines for grant applications and the corresponding travel windows during GP1 are
//// Budget allocation
For each round of application, we are awarding several STSMs and conference grants. The Grant Awarding Committee has the right to adjust the budget of the individual calls if need be.
//// Evaluation of STSM and conference grant applications
Shortly after the submission deadline, the Grant Awarding Coordinator prepares and distributes a summary of the applications to the Grant Awarding Committee.
In case of a direct professional or personal connection between the submitter and a member of the Grant Awarding Committee, the implied member shall not participate in the evaluation of the application in question.
A closed meeting of the Grant Awarding Committee is organised up to 2 weeks after the submission deadline in order to compare the applications, to approve, reject or adjust them. Ex officio, the meeting is open to the EPIGRAPHY chair and vice chair, without voting rights.
The criteria considered by the Grant Awarding Committee are:
- Scientific quality and relevance to EPIGRAPHY
- Geographical inclusiveness (the ITC classification is according to the home institute of the candidate)
- Gender balance and juniority (people <40 years of age are prioritised for STSM, ITC and Dissemination conference grants). Note that, as per COST regulations, YRI conference grants are only awarded to young researchers (<40 years old). ITC conference grants are only awarded to ITC-based researchers.
- Effectiveness of the grant (e.g. duration vs cost, added value of the networking, etc).
- Conference grants are intended to provide financial support and not necessarily cover all costs associated with the conference, therefore the requested amount may be limited by the evaluation committee.
The closed meeting will be documented in minutes to be published in a location accessible to the EPIGRAPHY Management Committee. In addition, a summary of the decisions will be made available to all grant applicants timely after the meeting. In order to optimize the use of the available budget, the Grant Awarding Committee may apply a reduction of the total amount granted to an individual application. The motivation of the reduction shall be presented to the applicant in due time. If needed, a new application with the agreed budget may be submitted in e-COST again, for the same grant period.
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//// How to apply for STSM and conference grants?
- All members of the Action are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must submit their applications for STSM or Conference grants (Dissemination, ITC and YRI) online before the deadline through the COST application form: https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants/add
- The following documents should be provided:
- Application form: templates can be downloaded for
Dissemination conference grants
- Simplified budget: A breakdown of the travel and daily allowance (including housing) costs should be provided in the application. This should align with COST policies regarding Daily Allowances and Long-Distance Travel.
- Letter of invitation:
- STSM: from the host (physical person or institute); you should get in touch with the host well before the grant application deadline! The host contact should also, if not already, become a member of the Action.
- Conference: invitation or abstract acceptance from organisers.
- For Conference Grants: A copy of the abstract (or full article if available) should be provided as well. Posters are admitted only for YRI Conference Grants and not for Dissemination and ITC Grants.
- CV including selected publications,
- For PhD and master students only: letter of support from their Supervisor.