Grants
The PEACE Action (CA23129 - Peace Research Community Europe) unites a trans-European and interdisciplinary research community that expands and strengthens a network of peace and conflict research centres and researchers from across Europe. The main challenge for the PEACE Action is to improve our understanding of the current challenges to peace and security on the European continent and beyond, thereby inspiring new research, policy and practice. The focus areas will be on Peace & Climate, Feminist Peace, Peace & Emerging Technologies, Local Peace and a new Peace and Security Architecture in Europe. In addition, the network will support a new generation of peace and conflict researchers in developing their careers.
Principles of Grant Awarding Criteria
Grants are awarded to applicants who fulfill the criteria set by the Management Committee (MC) and whose applications fit the general aims and objectives of the action set in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the Action, which can be found at our webpage. The PEACE Action grant awarding criteria are designed to ensure that applications are evaluated thoroughly based on their alignment with the network’s focus areas, their contribution to the Action’s goals, and the overall feasibility of the proposed activities. In its selection process, PEACE Action remains committed to the core principles of inclusiveness upheld by COST, which revolve around three key elements:
Geographical spread – promoting broad participation across COST member countries, especially targeted at less research-intensive member countries;
Career stage – actively involving Young Researchers and Innovators;
Gender balance – ensuring equitable representation and opportunities for all genders.
More about matters on commitment to inclusivity can be found here.
Each application is assessed on several key criteria, including relevance to the focus areas of the Action, contribution to network goals, applicant's qualifications, innovation and impact, feasibility and methodology, and compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Additionally, applications must meet the submission criteria set in the e-COST system and further elaborated in the COST Awarding User Guide and the annotated rules for COST Actions. This comprehensive evaluation process helps to identify and support the most promising research and activities that advance peace and conflict studies across Europe. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants to carefully review all relevant documents before submitting their applications, to ensure full understanding of the COST rules, grant requirements and evaluation criteria.
The Grant Awarding process is implemented in e-COST, from the moment an applicant submits an application for approval by the Grant Awarding Coordinator to the payment and recording of the amount paid by the Grant Holder Manager (GHM) to the grantee.
Note that according to the COST rules of eligibility to receive financial support, individuals invited to participate in a COST Action networking activity shall be eligible to receive a grant in case:
The individual is affiliated to a legal entity in a COST Full or Cooperating Member State.
The individual is affiliated to a legal entity in a Near Neighbour Country (NNC).
ITC conference grants are limited to individuals affiliated to a legal entity located in COST Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and NNC.
YRI conference grants are limited to Young Researchers and Innovators.
Individuals affiliated to a European RTD organization are eligible for dissemination and STSM grants.
For a comprehensive overview of eligibility to receive financial support in the COST Action framework, please review the Annotated Rules for COST Actions (6.4. Eligibility to receive financial support).
Types of Grants available in Grant Period II (1/11/2025 to 31/10/2026)
Category | Grant type |
| Mobility of Researchers and Innovators |
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| Presentation at Conferences organized by Third parties |
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Note: All successful applicants must comply with the COST Action co-branding rules when presenting their work or the work of the Action as part of participation in conferences, meetings and any other activity that the PEACE Action helps to co-fund. All applicants must follow the guidelines set by COST Action for any visibility and dissemination activity they engage in through grants provided by the Action: COST_actions-guidelines_adapted_17_12_2024.pdf
STSM
Description
The Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) is a networking activity that allows the applicants to receive financial support from COST. It is a grant awarded by the Management Committee to an individual for supporting physical mobility aiming at capacity building and transfer of knowledge through bilateral/multilateral collaborations during a research stay in a different country. STSMs are great opportunities for researchers to share techniques and gain skills that may not be available at their home institution or laboratory.
The STSM grant provides a contribution for travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses, implementation of the project, delivery of the report to the COST Action MC and overall effort. In line with the approved Work and Budget Plan for the upcoming grant period the amount of the STSM grant candidates can apply for is maximum up to EUR 1 875 per grant based on the request of the applicant and evaluation of the evaluators. It should reflect the duration and location of the STSM.
In the framework of the PEACE Action the STSMs will specifically be used to support YRIs participating in the Next Gen programme. The Next Gen programme is a mentorship program providing workshops, community calls, mentorship by a senior researcher, and a research visit to a host institution. Therefore, applications to receive an STSM will only be open to accepted Next Gen participants.
Next Gen Programme
Given PEACE Action considers STSMs as being part of the Next Gen programme, the leadership will open a single call for applications based upon which participation in the general programme as well as access to the STSM grants are decided. The selection process will therefore be split up in two phases: (1) an open call to participate in the Next Gen programme, and (2) an application for an STSM grant for those accepted in the Next Gen programme.
Open Call Next Gen programme
The call for applications to participate in the Next Gen programme will be published at the start of each grant period and will ask for:
CV (max. 2 pages) highlighting a research background
Motivation statement to participate in the Next Gen programme outlining the applicant’s scientific goals and the relevance of participation to their research and the PEACE Action
A proposal for a research question to be discussed/worked on during the Next Gen programme (max. 300 words)
Applicants are encouraged to address the following aspects in their application:
CV of the applicant
Priority is given to PhD students and early career scholars.
Motivation
How does the applicant’s research fit to the COST Action’s work and its different Working Groups (WGs)?
How does the work contribute to societal impact?
Expected Outcomes
Which WGs of the Peace Action might benefit from the results of the research proposal?
What are the expected outputs of the Next Gen programme (e.g., publications, datasets, new knowledge)?
Relevance to the Action Theme
How does the applicant want to contribute to the scientific objectives of the Peace Action?
Is there a clear connection to the broader goals of the Peace Action?
For more information about the Next Gen programme and how to apply, please check the Action’s dedicated webpage at https://www.peaceresearchnetwork.eu/join
Application and Approval
Throughout the lifetime of the Next Gen programme, participants can apply for an STSM grant to organize a research visit. To ensure participating YRIs develop a strong plan for their STSM an extra step will be built into the programme where the YRIs have to support their grant application with a detailed workplan and budget justification as foreseen in the grant awarding procedures as approved by the Management Committee. Applicants must have an active profile on the e-COST platform to send an application.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Secure an Invitation/Agreement Letter
Obtain a signed invitation or agreement letter from the host institution prior to submitting the application.
Complete the Online Application
Go to the Grant Applications section on the e-COST platform, select the appropriate grant type and fill out the application form. Prepare and Upload the Required Documents.
Participants are expected to apply for an STSM grant by providing the following documentation via the e-COST platform:
Grant Application Form including details on:
The goals of the STSM
The planned activities (workplan)
Expected outcomes and how they contribute to the scientific objectives of the grant period
Invitation/Agreement Letter: A signed letter from a researcher affiliated with the host institution.
Budget Request and Justification: A brief explanation (max. half page) of the expected costs for travel, accommodation, and daily allowance. Mention any additional financial support if available.
STSM Approval
Once an STSM application is submitted, the Grant Awarding Coordinator will review it within three weeks to ensure all required information is complete and accurate. The evaluation will then be carried out in collaboration with the COST Action Selection Committee consisting of Grant Awarding Coordinator, Action Chair, Young Researchers and Innovators Coordinator and Grant Holder Manager. If the application is successful, the awarded applicants will receive a Grant Letter generated by the e-COST system, coordinated by the Grant Holder Manager. The Grant Letter outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the grantee and the Grant Holder.
During and After your STSM
Make sure to document your activities thoroughly during the STSM. Retain all receipts related to your expenses for reporting purposes following the STSM period.
After Completing Your STSM
Reminders to Submit the Report: The grantee will receive automated reminders to upload the report:
1 day after the end of the Grant Period
10 days after the end of the Grant Period
Submission Deadline: The report must be submitted:
Within 30 days from the end of the activity,
Within 15 days from the end of the Grant Period, or
Within a shorter timeframe if requested by the Grant Holder or Grant Awarding Coordinator to meet reporting deadlines.
An e-notification will be sent to the grantee via e-COST, with the Grant Holder Manager and Grant Awarding Coordinator copied.
Required Supporting Documents:
The report must include:
A summary for the Action Management Committee detailing the work carried out, key achievements, and any planned follow-up activities.
Information on any anticipated publications or articles resulting from the STSM (if applicable).
Confirmation from the host researcher verifying the successful completion of the STSM.
The STSM report template can be downloaded from the e-COST platform, where the completed report must also be submitted: STSM-report-template.docx
Please note: Failure to submit the report within 30 days will result in the cancellation of the grant.
The grant payment will be processed after the Grant Holder Manager approves the report.
Please refer to COST’s visual identity page for COST’s branding requirements on materials produced with under the financing of COST (publications, dissemination materials…).
Evaluation Criteria for STSM Applications
Special consideration will be given to applications that support COST policies, particularly those promoting gender balance and geographical inclusiveness.
| Criteria | Max Points/Status | |
| a) Preliminary Check | Application is complete and meets all formal requirements | Pass / No Pass |
| The applicant has not received a grant in previous years of the Action (priority given to new applicants) | Pass / No Pass | |
| b) Evaluation of Application | Quality and clarity of the STSM proposal including methodological feasibility, compliance with the focus areas of the Action (at least with one area), relevance to network goals and level of innovation and significance for impact | 60 points |
| Scientific networking and integration within the host institution | 40 points | |
Minimum score required for approval | 75 points |
Elaboration of the Evaluation Criteria
Applicants are encouraged to address the following aspects in their application:
1. Quality of the STSM Proposal (60 points)
Work Plan & Schedule
Is the work plan clearly defined and feasible?
Is the timeline realistic?
Expected Outcomes
Which Working Groups (WGs) of the Peace Action might benefit from the results of the research proposal?
Does the STSM target specific scientific objectives of the Action?
What are the expected outputs (e.g., publications, datasets, new knowledge)?
Relevance to the Action Theme
How does the STSM contribute to the scientific objectives of the Peace Action?
Is there a clear connection to the broader goals of the Peace Action?
Financial Plan
Is the budget reasonable?
Are travel costs justified and aligned with the scope of the STSM?
2. Scientific Networking & Integration (40 points)
What support is provided by the host institution?
Could the proposed work be done without researcher mobility?
Will the STSM foster new collaborations or knowledge exchange between the home and host institutions?
Young Researcher and Innovator (YRI) Conference Grants
Description
YRI Conference grants fund a presentation (poster/oral presentation) of their own work by a Young Researcher and Innovator (YRI) in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by the COST Action.
YRI Conference grant:
Serves COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy;
Supports Young Researchers and Innovators to establish a strong network and increase their visibility in the research community through sharing their work and to gain knowledge;
Can contribute to increasing visibility of the Action.
YRI Conference grants benefit to:
YRI Conference Grantee: receives support for attending and presenting their own work within the scope of the Action (poster/oral presentation) in a conference and can establish new contacts for future collaborations.
The YRI grant provides a contribution for travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses, registration fee, with maximum amount up to EUR 2.500,00 per grant for face-to-face conferences or EUR 500.00 for online conferences. It should reflect the duration and location of the conference and the actual conference fee. Applicants to Conference Grants shall not apply to different types of conference grants in the same grant period.
Application Procedure and Approval
To apply for a grant, follow these steps on the e-COST platform:
Fill out the Application page in e-COST:
Title of presentation
Conference details: title, dates (must fall within the current Grant Period), and location (country)
Requested budget
Attendance type: in-person or online
Upload Required Supporting Documents to e-COST:
Application Form
Template can be found here
Describe the relevance of the conference to the COST Action
Explain motivation and the potential impact on applicant’s career
Please mention which one (or more) of the five working groups of PEACE Action the application is in line with.
Abstract
A copy of the abstract for the accepted poster or oral presentation
Acceptance/Invitation Letter
From the conference organizers confirming applicant’s participation
Budget Request and Justification:
A brief explanation (max. half page) of the expected costs for travel, accommodation, and daily allowance. Mention any additional financial support if available.
Short CV (maximum 1 page)
Submit Application
Once all documents are uploaded, the application can be submitted. The status will change from “Draft” to “Submitted.” If needed, the application may be revised before it is officially approved.
YRI Grant Approval
Once the YRI Grant application is submitted, the Grant Awarding Coordinator will review it within three weeks to ensure all required information is complete and accurate. The evaluation will then be carried out in collaboration with the COST Action Selection Committee consisting of Grant Awarding Coordinator, Action Chair and Grant Holder Manager. The relevant working group (co-)leaders will be invited to co-evaluate the application with the permanent selection committee. If the application is successful, a Grant Letter generated by the e-COST system will be sent to the grantee, coordinated by the Grant Holder Manager. The Grant Letter outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the grantee and the Grant Holder.
Post-Conference Reporting Process
Reminders to Submit the Report: The grantee will receive automated reminders to upload the report:
1 day after the end of the Grant Period
10 days after the end of the Grant Period
Submission Deadline: The report must be submitted:
Within 30 days from the end of the activity,
Within 15 days from the end of the Grant Period, or
Within a shorter timeframe if requested by the Grant Holder or Grant Awarding Coordinator to meet reporting deadlines.
An e-notification will be sent to the grantee via e-COST, with the Grant Holder Manager and Grant Awarding Coordinator copied.
Required Supporting Documents: The following documents must be uploaded along with the report:
Completed report template
Conference programme or book of abstracts/proceedings showing the poster/oral presentation
Copy of the poster/oral presentation delivered (according to the COST Identity Guidelines)
Once the report is submitted, the application status will update from “Grant Letter Sent” to “Report Submitted.”
Review and Approval Process: Upon submission, the Grant Awarding Coordinator, Action Chair, and Vice Chair will be notified. They must verify the report's validity and content.
Following the review process agreed upon by the Management Committee (MC), the Grant Holder Manager will record the approval or rejection on behalf of the MC and start processing the payment of the grant.
Final Notification: Once the payment is processed, an e-notification will be sent to the grantee, with a copy to the Grant Holder Manager.
Evaluation Criteria for YRI Applications
Special consideration will be given to applications that support COST policies, particularly those promoting gender balance and geographical inclusiveness.
Criteria | Description | Max Points / Status |
| Preliminary Check | All required fields and documents are provided in the application | Pass / No pass |
| The applicant has not received a grant in previous years of Action (priority given to new applicants) | Pass / No pass | |
| Relevance to Peace Action | A clear explanation of how the conference and presentation relate to Peace Action. | 15 points |
| Motivation and Career Impact | Clarity and depth of explanation regarding how participation in the conference aligns with research goals, contributes to professional development, and supports the objectives of the COST Action | 35 points |
| Quality of Abstract and Presentation | Abstract is well-written demonstrating strong methodological and theoretical grounds, and the presentation is relevant, original, and aligned with the Action. | 35 points |
| Contributions to Peace Action | Demonstrates how participation enhances visibility of Peace Action. | 15 points |
Minimum required for approval | 75 points |
Elaboration of Criteria
Relevance to Peace Action (15 pts)
Clear and specific link between the applicant’s work and the Peace Action objectives.
Points are deducted for vague or generic connections.
Motivation and Career Impact (35 pts)
Strong elaboration on how the grant supports career development and networking.
Points are deducted for weak or unclear motivation.
Quality of Abstract and Presentation (35 pts)
Abstract is scientifically sound, well-structured, and relevant.
Presentation (poster/oral) is aligned with the Action’s scope, goals and objectives.
Points are deducted if the applicant fails to present sound scientific and detailed approach in their abstract.
Contribution to COST Visibility (15 pts)
The applicant explains how their participation promotes the Action.
Points are deducted if this is not well addressed.
Inclusiveness Target Countries Conference (ITCG)
Description
ITCG grant funds an oral presentation of their own work within the scope of the Action by an Action Participant affiliated to a legal entity located in an Inclusiveness Target Country / Near Neighbour Country in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by the COST Action.
ITCG Conference grant:
Serves COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy;
Supports Action Participant affiliated to a legal entity located in an Inclusiveness Target Countries/ Near Neighbour Countries to establish a strong network and increase their visibility in the research community through sharing their work and to gain knowledge;
Can contribute to increasing visibility of the Action.
ITC Conference grant benefits to:
ITCG Grantee: receives support for attending and presenting their own work within the scope of the Action (oral presentation) in a conference and can establish new contacts for future collaborations.
The ITC Conference grant provides a contribution for travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses, registration fee and overall effort with a maximum of up to EUR 2 500,00 per grant for face-to-face conferences or EUR 500.00 for online conferences. It is based on the proposal of the evaluators and should reflect the duration and location of the Conference and the actual conference fee. Applicants to Conference Grants shall not apply to different types of conference grants during each grant period.
Application Procedure
To apply for a grant, follow these steps on the e-COST platform:
To be filled out on the application page in e-COST:
Accepted contribution details
Conference details: title, dates (must fall within the current Grant Period), and location (country)
Requested budget
Attendance type: in-person or online
Upload the Required Supporting Documents to e-COST:
Application Form
Template can be found here
Conference Details
Accepted contribution details
Relevance of the Conference topic to the Action
Motivation and expected impact
Please mention which one (or more) of the five working groups of PEACE Action the application is in line with.
Abstract: A copy of the abstract for the accepted poster or oral presentation
Acceptance/Invitation Letter from the conference organizers confirming applicant’s participation
Budget Request and Justification: A brief explanation (max. half page) of the expected costs for travel, accommodation, and daily allowance. Mention any additional financial support if available.
Short CV (maximum 1 page)
Submit Application
Once all documents are uploaded, the application can be submitted. The status will change from “Draft” to “Submitted.” If needed, the application may be revised before it is officially approved.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Special consideration will be given to applications that support COST policies, particularly those promoting gender balance and geographical inclusiveness.
Criteria | Description | Max Points / Status |
| Preliminary Check | All required fields and documents are provided in the application | Pass / No pass |
| The applicant has not received a grant in previous years of Action (priority given to new applicants) | Pass / No pass | |
| Relevance to Peace Action | A clear explanation of how the conference and presentation relate to Peace Action. | 15 points |
| Motivation and Career Impact | Clarity and depth of explanation regarding how participation in the conference aligns with research goals, contributes to professional development, and supports the objectives of the COST Action | 35 points |
| Quality of Abstract and Presentation | Abstract is well-written demonstrating strong methodological and theoretical grounds, and the presentation is relevant, original, and aligned with the Action. | 35 points |
| Contribution to COST Visibility | Demonstrates how participation enhances visibility of Peace Action. | 15 points |
Minimum score required for approval | 75 points |
Elaboration of Criteria
Relevance to Peace Action (15 pts)
Clear and specific link between the applicant’s work and the Peace Action objectives.
Points are deducted for vague or generic connections.
Motivation and Career Impact (35 pts)
Strong elaboration on how the grant supports career development and networking.
Points are deducted for weak or unclear motivation.
Quality of Abstract and Presentation (35 pts)
Abstract is scientifically sound, well-structured, and relevant.
Presentation (poster/oral) is aligned with the Action’s scope, goals and objectives.
Points are deducted if the applicant fails to present sound scientific and detailed approach in their abstract.
Contribution to COST Visibility (15 pts)
The applicant explains how their participation promotes the Action.
Points are deducted if this is not well addressed.
Dissemination Conference Grants
Description
Dissemination Conference grants fund an oral presentation by an Action Participant of the work of the Action in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by the COST Action.
Dissemination Conference grant:
Significantly increases visibility of the Action in the research community, and can contribute to increasing visibility of the presenter;
Attracts additional participants and stakeholders and disseminates Action results to relevant end-users at high profile conferences in the field on a topic relevant to the Action.
Dissemination Conference grant benefits to:
Dissemination Conference Grantee: receives support for attending and delivering an oral presentation of the Action, their activities, and results at a conference and for developing new contacts and potential future collaborations;
COST Action: receives increased visibility and awareness, new contacts with potential stakeholders.
The Dissemination Conference Grant provides a contribution for travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses, registration fee and overall effort. Up to EUR 2 500,00 per grant for face-to-face conferences or EUR 500.00 for online conferences can be dedicated to the grantee. It should reflect the duration and location of the Conference and the actual conference fee. Applicants to Conference Grants shall not apply to different types of conference grants in the period.
Application Procedure for the Dissemination Grant
To apply for a grant, follow these steps on the e-COST platform:
To be filled in e-COST:
Title of the presentation
Conference title, date (within the active Grant Period, i.e.no overlap across two consecutive Grant Periods) and venue;
Budget requested;
Attendance Type (face to face or online)
To be uploaded to e-COST:
Application form (template available on e-COST) describing: Alignment with the Science Communication Plan adopted by the COST Action and Expected impact to the COST Action.
Copy of the abstract of the accepted oral presentation focused on promoting the scientific achievements and activities being performed by the COST Action;
Acceptance (or invitation) letter from the conference organisers;
Budget justification
A half-page breakdown of the expected costs (travel, accommodation, daily allowance), including any additional financial support.
Short CV (maximum 1 page)
Submit Application
Once all documents are uploaded, the application can be submitted. The status will change from “Draft” to “Submitted.” If needed, the application may be revised before it is officially approved.
Dissemination Conference Grant Approval
Once the Dissemination Conference Grant application is submitted, the Grant Awarding Coordinator will review it within three weeks to ensure all required information is complete and accurate. The evaluation will then be carried out in collaboration with the COST Action Selection Committee consisting of Grant Awarding Coordinator, Action Chair and Grant Holder Manager. The relevant working group (co-)leaders will be invited to co-evaluate the application with the permanent selection committee. If the application is successful, a Grant Letter generated by the e-COST system will be sent to the grantee, coordinated by the Grant Holder Manager. The Grant Letter outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the grantee and the Grant Holder.
Post-Conference Reporting Process
Reminders to Submit the Report: The grantee will receive automated reminders to upload the report:
1 day after the end of the Grant Period
10 days after the end of the Grant Period
Submission Deadline: The report must be submitted:
Within 30 days from the end of the activity,
Within 15 days from the end of the Grant Period, or
Within a shorter timeframe if requested by the Grant Holder or Grant Awarding Coordinator to meet reporting deadlines.
An e-notification will be sent to the grantee via e-COST, with the Grant Holder Manager and Grant Awarding Coordinator copied.
Required Supporting Documents:
Report to the Action MC on the outcome of the presentation, including the establishment of new contacts for future collaborations,
The certificate of attendance,
The programme of the conference or book of abstracts / proceedings indicating the oral presentation of the grantee,
Copy of the given oral presentation,
Please note: Failure to submit the report within 30 days will result in the cancellation of the grant.
The grant payment will be processed after the Grant Holder Manager approves both the scientific report and the submitted expense documentation.
Evaluation Criteria for Dissemination Conference Applications
Special consideration will be given to applications that support COST policies, particularly those promoting gender balance and geographical inclusiveness.
Criteria | Description | Max Points / Status |
| Preliminary Check | All required fields and documents are provided in the application | Pass / No pass |
| The applicant has not received a grant in previous years of Action (priority given to new applicants) | Pass / No pass | |
| Relevance to Peace Action and Visibility | Clear explanation of how the conference and presentation relate to the Peace Action and its dissemination demonstrating how the participation enhances visibility of the Peace Action. clear explanation of how the conference and presentation relate to Peace Action. | 25 points |
| Impact on Attracting Additional Participants and Stakeholders |
The application shows strong potential for attracting additional participants and stakeholders for the Action | 25 points |
| Quality of Abstract and Presentation | Abstract is well-written, and the presentation is relevant, original, and aligned with the Action. | 25 points |
| Conference Quallity | Considers the quality and scientific excellence of the conference | 25 points |
Minimum score required for approval | 75 points |
Elaboration of Criteria
Relevance to Peace Action and Visibility (Pts 25)
Evaluates how effectively the applicant’s participation and presentation promote the goals, themes, and visibility of the Peace Action, including dissemination to relevant audiences, research networks and stakeholders.
Impact on Attracting Additional Participants and Stakeholders (Pts 25)
The application outlines a clear and effective strategy for engaging new participants and stakeholders. It identifies relevant target groups and proposes how the given conference can draw the attention of the kind of participants the Action is aiming to attract. The involvement of new actors is shown to strengthen the Action’s relevance, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Quality of Abstract and Presentation (Pts 25)
Reviews the clarity, originality, and methodological strength of the abstract, and the relevance and impact of the presentation in relation to the Peace Action’s mission, goals and objectives.
Conference Quality (Pts 25)
Considers the academic reputation, thematic relevance, and scientific rigor of the conference
General Evaluation Process
Description
As indicated above throughout this guide, the evaluation of applications for grant types will be conducted primarily in cooperation with the Grant Awarding Coordinator (GAC), the Action Chair, and the Grant Holder Manager (GHM). In the initial stage of application evaluation, the GAC reviews the application and supporting documents, ensures all documents are submitted accordingly, and evaluates the application based on the evaluation guidelines and eligibility requirements. The detailed evaluation, along with all comments, is sent to the Action Chair, who reviews the application and the evaluation report, sending comments back to the GAC for either discussion or pre-approval. Once pre-approval is granted or any decision is made, the GHM receives the notification for final approval and sends the grant letter.
If, upon evaluation, the committee finds the application successful but the budget unrealistic, applicants may be asked to adjust it to a more feasible amount that complies with the COST compensation criteria.
Reporting of the Grant Application
The reporting of the grant application is done in accordance with the Grant Awarding user guide provided by COST.
The deadline to submit the grant report is 30 days from the end of the activity, within 15 days from the end date of the Grant Period or within a shorter timeframe as per Grant Holder/Grant Awarding Coordinator’s request to meet reporting deadlines.
The grantee receives an e-notification to submit the report and other supporting documents on e-COST. The grantee must download the report template applicable to each grant type, complete it, upload it along with other required supporting documents and submit it in e-COST. For each type of grant different supporting documents are required and the grantee must follow the instructions provided by the COST per grant type (page 24).
Once the report is submitted and the supporting documents are uploaded, the status of the application changes from “Grant letter sent” to “Report submitted”.
Following, the Grant Awarding Coordinator is notified when the grantee submitted the report and must verify the validity and content of the report and other supporting documents. Upon careful review of the report, in consultation with the Action Chair and the GH Manager, the GAC either approves or rejects the submission.
If the Grant Awarding Coordinator approves the report, the application status changes to Report Approved and the GH Manager is notified that the grant can be paid.
Once approved, the GH Manager can review the validity of the supporting documents and record the grant payment. If needed, the GH Manager can send back the grant to the applicant via the ‘Reject report’ option. If rejected, a justification is required and its content will be included in the e-notification sent to the applicant, who is asked to revise the supporting documents and re-submit. In this case, the status of the application goes back to “Grant letter sent”.
The grantee will be able to delete any incorrect or incomplete files submitted at the reporting stage, however other application information such as the grant dates or grant amount, cannot be modified at this stage. If changes to the grant application are required, the GH Manager can “Cancel” the grant. If cancelled, a justification is required and its content will be included in the e-notification sent to the applicant. The status of the application goes back to ‘Draft’.
If needed, the applicant can edit the grant application information, delete and/or upload new files and re-start the process by submitting the application for approval to the Grant Awarding Coordinator.
Once the Grant Holder financial and accounting department has processed the grant transfer, the Grant Holder Manager can access the Grants page, where grant payments can be recorded. Once the payment is recorded, the applicant will be notified of the bank transfer, and a copy of the notification will be sent to the Grant Holder Manager.
Application Timelines
Applications for conference grants are accepted on a rolling basis.
Applications for STSM grants are dependent on the Next Gen programme and are awarded 1x/year. Applicants must consider the deadlines of the Next Gen programme when applying for STMSs.