The online Info Day proved to be a huge success with audience numbers far exceeding expectations.
On Tuesday 23 June 2020, over 1600 people watched the first ever live streamed COST Info Day. The event encouraged attendees to participate in the COST programme by explaining the many benefits of pan-European networking for researchers and innovators as well as giving an overview of how the COST programme works.
The event marked the first time that COST has presented an Info Day via live stream, with the format being chosen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecting with people in this way proved to be a considerable success, attracting a geographically diverse audience of people keen to discover how they could participate in COST activities.
Watch the Info Day on YouTube
Prof. Martin Persson, Chair of COST Action, ‘European Cleft and Craniofacial initiative for Equality in Care’ gave a personal testimonial of his experience of being involved with COST. During which he highlighted the positive impact that participation could have on boosting researchers’ careers and how connecting people and ideas at a regional and European level advances knowledge.
“We know COST generates brilliant opportunities; it is a really good thing to be involved in.”
Above: A slide from Prof. Martin Persson presentation on his experiences of COST
Participants were able to pose questions for the panel through an interactive tool, with queries ranging from technical questions on how to join or propose a COST Action, to more general questions regarding the impact of Brexit and COVID-19. Due to the high volume of questions received during the Info Day a follow-up document has been created and made available here.
Ronald de Bruin, Director of the COST Association said of the event, “The COST programme has provided opportunities for researchers and innovators to network and tackle technological and societal challenges for nearly half a century. Connecting with people online, as we have today, helps COST to serve the research and innovation field by enabling and promoting European brain circulation even under the most difficult circumstances, such as COVID-19.”
Social media
The Info Day event attracted lots of positive feedback on Facebook and Twitter with users showing appreciation for the accessibility of the new online format.
Join the @COSTprogramme Info Day and find out the different ways you can participate in #COST Actions including the European Venom Network! #EUVEN #CA19144 https://t.co/mHQjiCSxe5
— Aida Verdes (@aida_verdes) June 23, 2020
Thanks a lot to the @COSTprogramme for today’s event about COST’s role in promoting and spreading research excellence, the role and impact of the COST Programme and how to submit or connect with COST Actions! pic.twitter.com/ZAGOx99g7J
— Ralf Koebnik (@koebnik_ralf) June 23, 2020