COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding organisation for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and beyond and enable researchers and innovators to grow their ideas in any science and technology field by sharing them with their peers.

CRIM – CA24155 – Climate Reference Instruments and Measurements (Upper-air, Column and Near Surface)

The Climate Reference Instruments and Measurements (Upper-air, Column and Near Surface) COST Action (CRIM) addresses the critical needs for traceable measurements to the International System of Units (SI) and robust uncertainty quantification in atmospheric and climate research.

The primary objective of CRIM is to foster collaboration and harmonization among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders across Europe, and beyond, to enhance the quality, reliability, and credibility of observational data in climate science. The final aim is to ultimately improve confidence in detecting climate trends and predicting severe events.

CRIM SHORT TERM SCIENTIFIC MISSION (STSM)

First Call

(budget 4000€) / STSMs available ~2

Description

A short-term scientific mission (STSM) consists of a visit to a host organization located in a different country to the country of affiliation of a Researcher in order to carry out specific work for a determined period of time (Annotated rules, Annex 2-1.1.1).

STSM calls are already active and will be published on the official COST Action webpage (https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA24155/) until the CRIM website is operational.

All applications must always be submitted via e-COST, even if the call text is promoted elsewhere.

Selection guidelines

The aim of this call is to promote collaborations across Europe to meet the goals of the CRIM COST Action, with priority given to proposal that aims to:

  • enable a researcher from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) (https://www.cost.eu/about/strategy/excellence-and-inclusiveness/) to visit the WMO measurement lead center on “Traceability and Field Metrology” hosted at INRiM, with a specific focus on a prototype of climate reference station (CRIM MoU D6 – WG2)
  • enable a researcher to visit one of the 17 climate reference stations already being part of the GSRN, thus not limited to the European Stations, the researcher should come from a Nation without a GSRN-compliant climate reference station but already identified for future inclusion in the GSRN (CRIM MoU 2.2.2 C2 – WG2).

We envision 5-7 days Short Term Scientific Missions with up to 3000 Euros funding covering the costs of travel and living. The selection committee will also consider to what extent the requested funds are commensurate to the activities that the STSM applicant plans to undertake.

The selection committee will also consider to what extent the requested funds are commensurate to the activities that the STSM applicant plans to undertake.

Timeline:

  • Call announcement: 12 January 2026
  • Call deadline: Open until October 2026, or until funds are exhausted
  • Selection results: Within 30 days after submission of the application
  • STSM activities: January- October 2026
  • Submission of the report and supporting documents: Reports must be submitted within 30 days after the end of the activity or within 15 days after the end of the Grant Period (31 October 2026 at the latest).

Further calls for STSMs addressing different tasks of CRIM will be open for submission during the Action Grant Period (1 November 2025 – 31 October 2026).

How to apply

Pre STSM

Step 1 – Contact the Action Chair (Andrea Merlone, a.merlone@inrim.it) with a Cc to the Grant Awarding Coordinator (Laura Massano, l.massano@inrim.it) inquire about the availability of funding.

Step 2 – If funding is available, login to the on-line registration tool to register the request for a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) (https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants). The maximum budget limit for a Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) grant is up to €3000 per grant. You will may need to register and to upload your CV as well as other documents, including:

  • The STSM application consisting of a summary of the project goal (200 words) a working plan (500 words) and a summary of the expected results (500 words) https://www.cost.eu/STSM_GrantApplication
  • Confirmation of the host on the agreement from the host institution in receiving the applicant (acceptance letter)
  • Letter of Support from home institution
  • Motivation letter
  • Budget Plan

Step 3 – The application is assessed by the Grant Awarding Coordinator (Dr. Laura Teresa Massano). If accepted, they will inform the Grant Holder. All evaluations will comply with the COST Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality policy.

Step 4 – Cost Office Acceptance Letter (Grant Letter). If the application is successful, the Grant Holder (GH) will provide the applicant with an Acceptance Letter confirming the approval of the STSM Grant and specifying the amount of financial support awarded.

Post STSM

Reports must be submitted within 30 days after the end of the activity or within 15 days after the end of the Grant Period, whichever comes first.

The grantee receives an e-notification to submit the report and other supporting documents on e-COST, the GH manager and the Grant Awarding Coordinator will be in copy of the notification. The grantee must complete the report template, upload, and submit it in e-COST. Please use the official scientific report (using the COST template). A report template is available on-line here: http://www.cost.eu/STSM_report_template

The Grant Awarding Coordinator is notified when the grantee submits the report and must verify the validity and content of the report by clicking the link in the notification. After reviewing the report by the procedures agreed by the MC, the Grant Awarding Coordinator needs to encode its approval. Upon recording of the payment, an e-notification is sent to the grantee, with a copy to the Grant Holder manager.

 

If work resulting from an STSM visit is published in a journal, please add the following acknowledgement: This work is based upon work from COST Action CA24155, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).

Grantees will be required to write a short report of their experience to be published in the newsletter and to contribute with content (posts, pictures, short videos…) for the Action social media and Website.

For further details please consult the official guide at https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2025/01/COST-Grant-Awarding-user-guide.pdf.