The COST Action CA23159, DEcarbonising WAterborne TRAnsportation (DeWaTra) – cost.eu/actions/CA23159, is pleased to announce the opening of grants call for supporting the Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and participation at international conferences. These missions aim to foster collaboration and advance research in sustainable maritime practices.

Objective

STSMs support researchers visiting institutions or laboratories in other participating COST countries to exchange knowledge, gain access to unique resources, and enhance their professional development. These missions are designed to align with the objectives of the DeWaTra Action, contributing to reducing GHG emissions in the maritime industry and improving energy efficiency.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be engaged in an official research program as a PhD student, or postdoctoral fellow, or be employed by or affiliated with an institution or legal entity with a clear association to performing research.
2. The applicant’s home and host institutions must be located in different countries participating in the DeWaTra Action.
3. Priority will be given to Early Career Investigators (ECIs), researchers from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs), and those whose proposed STSM aligns with the objectives of the DeWaTra Action.

Financial Support

• The maximum grant amount is €4,000 per applicant for a mission lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. The grant award will be decided by STSM Board according to the travelling cost and daily allowances for different countries according to the https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2024/11/2024-Daily-allowance-table.pdf .
• Only for STSMs, the Grant Awardee s may request a pre-payment of 50% of their STSM grant before the activity.

Application Procedure

1. Prepare Application Documents: Complete the STSM application form available on the e-COST platform and gather the following documents:

• Application Form: Detailing the goals, work plan, expected outcomes, and contribution to the DeWaTra Action’s objectives.
• Host Institution Agreement: A letter from the host institution confirming their agreement to host the applicant.
• Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV highlighting relevant experience and publications.
• Motivation Letter: Explaining the significance of the STSM and the expected outcomes.

2. Submit Application: Log in to the e-COST system (e-services.cost.eu/user/login) and submit the application along with the required documents.
3. Evaluation and Notification: Applications will be evaluated based on scientific quality, feasibility, and alignment with the DeWaTra objectives. Applicants will be notified of the decision within four weeks of submission.

Selection Criteria for STSM Awards

1. Goals of the STSM up to 25 points
2. Working Plan up to 15 points
3. Expected outputs and contribution to the Action MoU objectives and deliverables up to 25 points
4. CV of the applicant up to 20 points
5. Motivation letter up to 15 points

Note: Gender and geographical balance will be considered in the evaluation process. In the case of an applicant who has already received an STSM award, their application will be ranked in the reserve list.

Reporting

Within 30 days of completing the STSM, grantees must submit a scientific report using the template provided on the e-COST platform. The report should detail the mission’s outcomes and how it contributes to the DeWaTra Action’s objectives. The report should be signed by grantees and host.

Acknowledgement

Grantees are required to acknowledge the support received from the DeWaTra Action in any publications or presentations resulting from the STSM.

Timeline for the STSM Grant Process

10 July 2026: 3rd announcement for Grant Award applications
1 August 2026: Deadline for submitting applications
15 August 2026: Grant Notification Letters sent
30 September 2026: Mobility completed and report submitted

For further information and to apply, please visit the e-COST platform: e-services.cost.eu.