“By approving this Strategic Plan, COST demonstrates the ambition to be in the heart of the European Research Area (ERA). COST is fully committed to continue serving as the open leading networking tool in the ERA, currently engaging 50,000 researchers and innovators. Through the priorities set in this Strategic Plan and with an increased budget, COST will bridge the innovation divide. Our strategy will increase access to research funding schemes for all researchers, including those from less research-intensive countries”, COST President Prof. Dr. Sierd Cloetingh stated.
COST will focus on three strategic priorities:
- Promoting and spreading excellent research
- Fostering interdisciplinary research for breakthrough science
- Empowering and retaining young researchers and innovators
COST requests a budget of EUR 600 million for FP9. This translates into 75 funded Actions per Open Call and 625 running networks a year, more than doubling the current figure. With this Strategic Plan, COST responds to the needs of the research and innovation community and harnesses on its vital role as pre-portal to other parts of the ERA.