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Short-Term Scientific Missions

Short-Term Scientific Missions Application Procedures

 

Download the Call for STSM here

 

What are STSMs?

Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) are aimed at strengthening existing networks by allowing researchers/scientists to visit an institution in another COST country to foster collaboration, share knowledge, learn a new technique or to undertake research. They are particularly intended for young researchers. The applicant should normally be engaged in a programme of research as a postgraduate student or postdoctoral fellow or be employed in an institution of a COST country participating in the Action. STSMs are for a minimum of one week, 5 working days, up to a maximum of 3 months.

 

 

Financial Support

The STSM grant covers travel and subsistence only. This is intended to be a contribution and is not intended to cover all costs. Typically, the amount awarded for a STSM will be between 60-90 EUR per day and 300 EUR for travel. The total of a STSM shall normally not exceed 2,500 EUR or 3,500 EUR for Early Stage Researchers. Any exception needs special justification and prior approval from the COST Office.

 

 

How to Submit an Application?

The applicant must use the COST STSM ‘Online Registration Tool’ to register their request for an STSM. The following information has to be included with the registration:

  • Applicants title, name, work place, postal address, telephone, fax and email;
  • Name, postal address, telephone, fax and email of the prospective host institution;
  • Planned dates and length of stay;
  • Title of the planned STSM;
  • Short description of the proposed work plan (about 250 words);
  • Short curriculum vitae (2 sides of A4);
  • Budget request with breakdown for the costs of the STSM;
  • Bank details.

The Online Registration Tool will issue a formal STSM Application which has to be downloaded and sent by the applicant electronically to the STSM coordinator together with the following documents:

  • A motivation letter setting out the justification for the STSM (up to 2 sides of A4);
  • An invitation letter from the proposed host institution confirming details of the STSM.

The motivation letter should set out the benefits and outcomes of the proposed STSM, the relevance of the STSM to the LiSS Action, and whether the applicant has previously completed a COST supported STSM.

 

 

When to Apply?

Periodically the STSM coordinator will circulate a call for applications for STSMs.  The call will include the submission deadline and an indicative assessment criteria.

 

 

Assessment Procedure

The assessment and approval of STSMs will follow the procedure set out below:

  • Following the submission deadline the STSM coordinator will circulate all applications to Working Group coordinators for evaluation.
  • The STSM coordinator and the coordinators of the Working Groups will assess and rank the applications according to the assessment criteria previously agreed by the LiSS Management Committee.
  • The STSM coordinator will draw up a final list of applications for approval by the LiSS Chair or Vice Chair.
  • The COST Office Scientific Officer is informed of the final list of approved STSMs and checks that all applications are in line with COST rules.
  • The COST Office will inform the applicant and the Chair that the STSM has been approved and will issue a Grant Letter and a Payment Request Form.
  • Information relating to the number of applications, the evaluation procedure and successful applications will be reported by the STSM coordinator at LiSS Management Committee meetings.

 

 

STSM Scientific Report

Within four weeks of the completion of a STSM the researcher is required to submit a short scientific report to the LiSS STSM Coordinator outlining the research activity undertaken and research outputs and outcomes.  The scientific report should contain the following information:

  • Purpose of the STSM;
  • Description of research conducted during the STSM;
  • Description of the main results achieved;
  • Outline future collaboration with host institution (if applicable);
  • Foreseen research outputs (publications/presentations) arising from STSM (if applicable)
  • Conformation by the host institution of the successful execution of the STSM;
  • Other comments (if any).

Additionally, the researcher will also be expected to deliver a short presentation about the STSM to their LiSS Working Group (if applicable).

 

 

Notice of Completion and Payment

The STSM Coordinator is responsible for approving the Scientific Report and for notifying the COST Office that the STSM has been successfully accomplished.  The COST Office will issue payment once they have received:

  • Notice of Completion by the LiSS STSM coordinator;
  • Completed Payment Request Form;
  • Summary of Scientific Report.

 

 

Contact: Marc Langheinrich

 

 

Living in Surveillance Societies Short Term Scientific Mission Coordinator

Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI)
Faculty of Informatics
Via G. Buffi 13 (Office: SI-106)
6904 Lugano, Switzerland
Tel: +41/ 58/ 666 4304
Fax: +41/ 58/ 666 4536
Email: langheinrich(at)acm.org

 

Further information about STSMs regulation and procedures can be found in the COST Vademecum.

 

STSM Online Registration Tool

 

Download the Call for STSM here