MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF EU AFFAIRS

 

  

                                                     COST

 

EUROPEAN CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH


 COST is a framework for scientific and technical cooperation, allowing the coordination of national research on a European level. COST actions consist of basic and competitive research as well as activities of public utility. The goal of COST is to ensure that Europe holds a strong position in the field of scientific and technical research for peaceful purposes, by increasing European co-operation and interaction in this field.

COST has developed into one of the largest frameworks for research co-operation in Europe and is a valuable mechanism coordinating national research activities at European level. Today it is one of the longest-running instruments supporting cooperation among 30,000 scientists from 34 European member countries and more than 160 participating institutions from 23 non-member countries and Non Governmental Organizations. Turkey is the one of the member states of COST.  

These are the four functions of COST.

  • In the scope of COST actions, research projects are financed by national contributions.

  • Each COST member can propose a research action.

  • Participation in the actions is not obligatory but on voluntary basis, only interested countries participate.

  • Cooperation is realized through 'concerted action' projects based on the coordination of national projects.

 

On 1 June 2006 a new domain structure have been formed as a result of studies.

1.      Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences

2.      Food and Agriculture                 

3.      Forests, their Products and Services      

4.      Materials, Physical & Nanosciences

5.      Chemistry and Molecular Sciences & Technologies

6.      Earth System Science & Environmental Management

7.      Information & Communication Technologies

8.      Transport & Urban Development

9.      Individuals, Society, Culture & Health

 

In order to create or join an Action, for details or study the relevant documents;

http://www.cost.esf.org/

 

In Turkey COST Acitons are organized by TÜBITAK. For details;

http://www.tubitak.gov.tr/home.do?ot=5&rt=3&sid=0&cid=1717