Grants & Networking Opportunities

SUSTENET offers a variety of financial support mechanisms to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and support the career development of researchers and innovators within our network. These grants are specifically designed to strengthen the European thermoelectric community.

Available Grant Types

We provide funding across four primary categories. Each grant serves a specific purpose in advancing the SUSTENET mission.

Grant Type Best For… Focus
STSM Lab-to-lab collaboration Short Term Scientific Missions, short-term research stays (5–90 days) at a partner institution
YRI* Conference Grants Young researchers and Innovators Participation in high-level international conferences, reserved to YRI (under 40 years of age).
ITC** Conference Grants Young researchers from ITC Participation in high-level international conferences.
Dissemination Grants Showcasing SUSTENET results Presenting Action-related research at major global events on thermoelectrics.

*YRI: Young Researchers and Innovators as defined by COST
**ITC: Inclusiveness Target Countries as defined by COST.

Inclusive Target Countries Conference grants (ITC-CG): Grants for presentations at international conferences for doctoral students and YRs from ITCs. The approval of such grants is subject to certain

Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM)

STSMs are institutional visits aimed at supporting individual mobility, strengthening existing networks, and fostering collaboration between researchers.

  • Goal: To support the temporary transfer of researchers to different laboratory facilities within the SUSTENET network.
  • Annual Target: A minimum of 4 missions per year.
  • Target Audience: Specifically designed for Young Researchers (YRs) and doctoral students.

Why Apply?

  • New Partnerships: Cultivate professional relationships across the network.
  • Advanced Training: Gain hands-on experience with specialized techniques.
  • Facility Access: Utilize novel equipment or methods not available at your home institution.

Funding & Selection: The Grant Awarding Committee evaluates all applications. Selected candidates will receive funding to cover travel and subsistence expenses during their stay.

Inclusive Target Countries Conference Grants (ITC-CG)

The ITC Conference Grant is designed to support the international visibility of researchers from Inclusive Target Countries (ITCs) by providing financial assistance for conference presentations.

At a Glance

  • Purpose: Financial support for attending and presenting research at high-level international conferences.
  • Target Audience: Doctoral students and Young Researchers (YRs).
  • Eligibility: Applicants must have a primary affiliation in an Inclusive Target Country (ITC).
  • Deliverable: The grant is specifically for presentations (oral or poster) of the applicant’s own work.

Why Apply for an ITC-CG?

  • Visibility: Present your research to a global audience.
  • Networking: Build connections with international experts in the SUSTENET field.
  • Professional Development: Gain experience in public speaking and scientific communication.

Note: Approval is subject to budget availability and the strategic alignment of the conference topic with SUSTENET objectives.

Compliance & Rules

All grants are awarded in accordance with the COST Annotated Rules. We strongly recommend that applicants review the specific conditions, reimbursement rates, and reporting requirements outlined in the official documentation before applying.

How to Apply

Applications for all SUSTENET grants must be submitted through the e-COST platform.

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your country and institution are part of the SUSTENET network.
  2. Prepare Documentation: This includes a CV, a work plan, and a letter of support from the host institution (for STSMs).
  3. Submit via e-COST: Log in to your account at e-services.cost.eu.
  4. Evaluation: Applications are reviewed by our Grant Awarding Coordinator and the Management Committee based on scientific merit and alignment with SUSTENET Working Groups.

Note: Priority is given to Young Researchers (under 40), gender balance, and applicants from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC).

Contact

For specific questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact:

Dr Matej Baláž (Grant Awarding Coordinator)