Virtual Networking Support (VNS) Grants
What is a VNS grant?
The Virtual Networking Support (VNS) aims at assessing and supporting the new forms of collaboration in online and hybrid settings as a complement to traditional ways of collaboration within the research and innovation communities and among the members of a given Action. The VNS grantee carries out concrete tasks for the benefit of the whole Action: drafting an online and hybrid networking strategy, supporting the MC in planning virtual and hybrid events, assisting hosts with the organisation of these events, selecting suitable virtual tools, supporting the Science Communication Coordinator on the online dimension of the Action's dissemination strategy, and supporting the Grant Awarding Coordinator with the call and evaluation of Virtual Mobility Grants.
Where to apply?
https://e-services.cost.eu/user/activity/grants
Information to be provided in the application
To be filled in e-COST:
• Title
• Budget requested by the applicant;
To be uploaded to e-COST:
• Application form (template available on e-COST)
Information to be provided when reporting and claiming the grant
o Report to the Action MC on the outcome and completion of the VNS activity
Where can I find the application and report forms?
In the Grand Awarding User Guide (https://www.cost.eu/grants_userguide) Section 1.2 "Templates for grant application and reporting"
Specificity of the VNS grant awarding process
The MC may decide to organise an open call for applications or identify among the Action participants or other relevant individuals a suitable candidate. The application is submitted online in e-COST using the dedicated form and templates. Upon approval, the grantee performs the tasks in line with the approved application. The report required for claiming the grant must be submitted upon completion of the activity, and at the latest 15 days after the end of the Grant Period, following the template available on e-COST. For further information on the awarding process, see ANNEX 2 "Networking activities organised through a Grant Awarding Process" of the COST Annotated Rules.
How much can be granted?
Financial support for VNS is a grant awarded to an individual of up to EUR 4 000,00 per Grant Period, not intended to cover employment costs but providing a contribution for the overall effort, not necessarily covered by an employer or by the Grant Holder institution. The amount is decided by the Action MC or Core Group on proposal of the evaluators and should reflect the duration, scope and complexity of the task and activities to be covered via the VNS grant. The Action can award a maximum of one VNS Grant per Grant Period.
Unlike STSMs, Virtual Mobility Grants and Conference Grants, a VNS grant can be combined with another COST grant during the same Grant Period.
Before you upload: common mistakes
• Fill in all fields of the templates, including the Action number (CA24118) and your full name. Documents with empty fields are returned.
• Report: use the official report template and submit it on completion of the activity, at the latest 15 days after the end of the Grant Period.
• Upload all documents as PDF. Screenshots or photos are not accepted.