Introduction

COST is the longest-running European framework supporting transnational cooperation among researchers, engineers and scholars across Europe. Together with Horizon 2020 it is one of the most important pillars of the promotion of research cooperation in Europe and therefore an essential component of the European Research Area (ERA).

The COST programme and Horizon 2020 are highly interwoven: Horizon 2020 project applications are often the result of former or running COST Actions, COST Actions are often used as a means to distribute Horizon 2020 project results, project ideas that are not “ready” for Horizon 2020 can eventually be supported through COST and membership in COST Actions can be a great possibility to find partners, in particular for the “widening countries”. And last but not least, the COST programme itself is also supported through the Horizon 2020 budget.

Horizon 2020 NCPs should therefore not only dispose of some basic knowledge about the COST programme, but also be aware of the strategic links and potential complementarity between COST and Horizon 2020.

All Horizon 2020 NCPs, who would like to learn more about potential strategic links with the COST programme.

• You are a Horizon 2020 NCP Coordinator and would like to learn about ways of strategic cooperation between the two programmes.
• You are a thematic NCP and would like to think out of the „Horizon 2020 box“.
• You are a NCP for the “Spreading Excellence and Widening participation” pillar and would like to hear what the COST programme does to support the Widening countries.
• You are a Horizon 2020 newcomer, who would like to learn about one of the other programmes that are out there.
• You have heard about the COST programme, but do not know enough about it to be able to judge if it is a possible alternate solution for your clients.

The webinar is also open for the participation of COST Stakeholders and basically everyone, who is interested in the complementarities between these two programmes. 

Your benefit/aims of the webinar

After taking part in this webinar you will understand the strategic links and complementarity between COST and Horizon 2020, you will be able to identify potential cooperation opportunities at an early stage and act as a signpost towards the COST programme, whenever appropriate.

You will learn about the structure and procedures of the COST programme such as the framework partnership agreement with Horizon 2020, the obligation to include “Inclusiveness Target Countries” and where this obligation comes from and will listen to Success Stories and good practices of cooperation between H2020 NCPs and COST National Coordinators (CNCs).

Content

• The COST programme – Short overview
• COST and Horizon 2020 – Strategic links and cross fertilization
• COST and Horizon 2020 cooperation – Success Stories and what there is to learn from them
• CNC & NCP cooperation – Good practices
• Q&A session

Time: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Speakers/technical support:

Welcome words:
Ronald de Bruin, COST Association, Director

Speakers:
Elke Dall, COST Association, Policy Officer
Nicole Schmidt, FFG – Austrian Research Promotion Agency, COST National Coordinator Austria

Technical Support:
FFG – Austrian Research Promotion Agency

Contact: Nicole Schmidt

Source and further information: NCP Academy