The COST Action Urban Forestry Network (INTUF) is actively inviting both host institutions and researchers/practitioners in the field of urban forestry to participate in Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM). This call operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline.
What are STSMs?
Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are exchange visits aimed at supporting individual mobility, strengthening professional networks, and fostering collaboration. They provide financial support to researchers to visit a host institution or repository located in another country.
These exchange visits can last anywhere from one week up to six months. The research aims of the proposed STSM must align with the objectives and research objectives of the INTUF Action, as defined in our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
1. Call for Host Institutions
If your institution, lab, or department is interested in hosting visiting researchers for an STSM, please express your interest by emailing us at urbanforestrynetwork@gmail.com. We will help promote this opportunities to all members of the Action.
Role of the Host: Discuss and agree upon the scope, timing, and deliverables with interested applicants, then issue a formal invitation letter required for their application.
Host Expectations: Hosts provide academic/technical supervision during the stay and issue a post-visit confirmation letter verifying that the mission was completed. Visiting researchers receive independent COST funding to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.
2. Call for STSM Applicants
Funding & Key Rules
Financial Support: Grants provide up to €4,000 in total to cover travel, accommodation, daily subsistence, and miscellaneous expenses.
Timeline: Missions must be fully completed within each active COST Grant Period (by October 31).
Reimbursement: Grants are disbursed by COST after the mission ends and final reports are approved. Do not book travel or accommodation before receiving an official e-COST Grant Letter.
Required Application Documents Applications must be submitted online via the e-COST Portal. You will need:
e-COST Application: Online form specifying dates, title, host details, and requested budget.
Work Plan: Project description, expected outcomes, and alignment with INTUF research goals.
Host Invitation Letter: Official confirmation letter from the host institution.
Motivation & Financial Plan: A 1–2 page motivation statement and a 1-page financial estimate.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including relevant qualifications and publications.
Support Letter: Mandatory from the home institution for student applicants.
3. Application Workflow
Identify a Host: Connect with potential host institutions directly or contact urbanforestrynetwork@gmail.com for assistance. Agree on the project scope and secure a formal host invitation letter.
Submit via e-COST: Log into the e-COST Portal to upload your application package. (For general eligibility rules, visit the official COST Website).
Execute & Claim Grant: After receiving approval and your Grant Letter, undertake your mission. Submit your STSM report, host confirmation letter, and proof-of-stay photos on e-COST within 15 working days of completion to receive reimbursement.
For detailed eligibility criteria, financial rules, and step-by-step application guidelines, please visit the official COST Grant Awarding User Guide or contact our INTUF Grant Award Coordinator.
