On 15 June 2023, the COST Association organised an informative session dedicated to research communities in its Near Neighbour Countries, at the COST premises in Brussels.
COST’s Near Neighbour Countries (NNC) include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Kosovo*, Libya, Morocco, Palestine**, The Faroe Islands and Tunisia. The NNCs are strong partners for the COST Programme and are of strategic importance. Countries and people of these region face common challenges, like transboundary pollution or loss of biodiversity, environmental protection, food and nutrition security, inclusive development and resilience to crises and tensions. In order to tackle these challenges, regional innovative solutions and knowledge-based approaches are needed. Therefore, participation in COST Actions is mutually beneficial to all partners.
The session was opened by the President of COST, Alain Beretz and Ronald de Bruin, Director of the COST Association.
“The relevance of having researchers from NNC countries in COST Actions is key to the research community to build new research networks. This is a fantastic opportunity for young researchers enabling strong connection and opens opportunities to boost their career.”
Prof. Alain Beretz, President of the COST Association
The aim of the meeting was to update the NNC representatives about the COST Programme, promote and spread best practices as well as thank the Correspondents their work and commitment to make COST visible and more accessible for their research communities. National representatives could finally also meet in person, following a longer period of working mainly online.
Bridging knowledge and opportunities
The session focused on providing information on the networking opportunities on how to get involved in a COST Action, what is the role of COST NNC Correspondents, and identify the potential synergies with similar EU initiatives such as EURAXESS Worldwide, presented by Nikos Parastatidis, Project Manager of EURAXESS Worldwide.
EURAXESS Worldwide is an all-in-one networking platform and information tool for talented researchers on the move to explore and develop career in Europe. An EU initiative dedicated to researchers working outside of Europe who wish to connect with their peers or engage in research and innovation.
As a networking platform, and a source of information, participants have had an overview of all the opportunities they can share among their research communities from practical information to career development within the R&I system.
NNCs researchers and innovators are already participating in COST Actions as Working Group members, as proposing network members in the COST Open Call, or as external experts. This session was an occasion to enhance the importance and the impact of networking and further promote this among the NNCs’ research community and hear from NNC researchers who have participated in COST Actions.
Lala Gahramanli, a researcher from Azerbaijan shared her experience participating in a Short Term Scientific Mission and highlighted the benefits and advices she received from her from peers supervisors.
Abdallah Amin Shaltout, from Egypt was invited to join a COST Action working group and through this experience he explained how crucial this collaboration was to develop further research collaboration between his institution, the National Research CenterPhysics Research Institute in Cairo and partners from Germany, Italy and Spain.
Zineb Gormat explained her experience in as a trainee of the Training School organised by PIMo COST Action in her own country, Morocco. She emphasized the opportunity to learn about grant application, working and learning together peers from US, Canada, Lebanon and Europe. She stressed the most important benefit for her was to get mentored on her own research and being able to set the research process and methodology stable thanks to the feedback received.
Words from the participants
“This meeting was a valuable and important opportunity for me, and our Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation. It was a privilege to meet and engage with the other representatives, brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds. The exchange of ideas and expertise was inspiring. The discussions and shared knowledge have greatly expanded and enriched my understanding of the many available COST opportunities. I have returned from Brussels with renewed enthusiasm and fresh ideas on how to increase Kosovo’s participation in the COST Program. I am more convinced than previously that this will result in the further advancement of science in Kosovo.” says Qamile Sinanaj, National representative of Kosovo*
Qamila Sinanaj adds, “In 2018, we had only two researchers involved in COST Actions. Today, in 2023 we are proud to say that there are 110 researchers involved.”
“COST is an invaluable resource for researchers in NNCs who want to expand their knowledge, network and impact. As a COST NNC correspondent, I am committed to raising awareness and facilitating access to COST opportunities for them.” Hussam Khasawneh, National Representative of Jordan
“To meet under the same roof is always a good networking opportunity. My first COST NNC meeting made me more aware of the other NNC countries and the contact persons in these countries, – some of them familiar faces. A well-organized meeting where COST provided highly relevant information and examples of the benefits of participating in COST Actions, including very valuable points to why it is a good idea for young researchers to join a COST Action”. Maria Húsgarð, Research Council Faroe Islands – Horizon National Contact Point, the Faroe Islands
“COST Actions are important and useful arena for Palestinian scientists and researchers. It is a bright gateway to engage with the European science and research platforms and strengthen networks for mutual benefits. This will definitely expose researcher’s potential from Palestine and enhance partnership between Palestinian institutions and EU institutions. It also, provides an opportunity for knowledge sharing and joint publications,” Prof. Dr. Derar Eleyan, Palestine** COST National NNC Correspondent
“COST has always acted for the cause of networking in R&I. The COST Near Neighbour Countries correspondents meeting was an exceptional moment joining with colleagues, sharing experience and exchange of ideas. Attending the NNC COST meeting is a great opportunity to work together with COST and push our R&I communities to get involved in COST Actions.” Amani Charrad, Tunisian NNC Correspondent
COST supports and encourages the participation of international partners coming from non-COST Members in all of its Actions. It does so by providing financial support to its Near Neighbour Countries.
Kosovo*: This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
Palestine**: This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the EU Member States on this issue.
Belarus – As of 23 March 2023 until further notice, measures are taken to suspend cooperation with Belarus for the execution of the COST Actions and COST activities. Amongst these measures, participation and eligibility of COST Action participants affiliated to a legal entity established in Belarus are suspended for all COST Actions and activities.
Russia – As of 6 May 2022 until further notice, measures are taken to suspend cooperation with Russia for the execution of the COST Actions and COST activities. Amongst these measures, participation and eligibility of COST Action participants affiliated to a legal entity established in Russia are suspended for all COST Actions and activities.