Overview of STSM grants awarded in 2023 and 2024
How to apply for RenewPV STSM
The application process:
- Read carefully the funding rules detailed in Annex 2 of the Annotated Rules for COST Actions.
- Register for an e-COST profile at https://e-services.cost.eu/user/login.
- Prior to the online application, obtain an invitation letter from the host institution confirming that they can undertake the STSM on the given dates or conference acceptance letter for other grants.
- Submit the grant application form and the relevant supporting documents via https://e-services.cost.eu/activity/grants. Guidelines for online applications are available here.
The list of supporting documents to be submitted for the evaluation are:
- Application form (template available on e-COST) detailing: the goals, a description of the work or presentation to be undertaken by the applicant, the expected outcomes, and how the contribution aligns with the objectives ofRenewPV MoU objectives.
- For STSM – confirmation agreement from the host confirming the institution is prepared to receive the applicant for the agreed period, i.e., the invitation letter or email.
- For the other grants – acceptance letter at the conference.
The applications will be evaluated at the end of every month by the RenewPV core group.
The process for all grant types (STSM, ITC, DC, YRI) is similar and activities must be fully implemented by the end of September 2026.
Specific information concerning STSM
The STSM can have a duration between 5 and 90 days. Any action member can apply for an STSM; however Young Researchers and Innovators will be prioritized. The STSM can take place in any host institution within the COST countries, including NNC or ITC countries (see the list here) if the institution within that country is approved.
The financial support is a contribution to the overall expenses incurred during the STSM and may not necessarily cover all the associated costs. Participants are required to provide a report on the STSM to the Action after completing the mission.
The following funding conditions apply and must be respected:
- Only research proposals focusing on emerging chalcogenides for PV applications will be considered. Halide perovskite topics are not eligible for RenewPV grant funding.
- Travel expenses cannot exceed EUR 500. For accommodation and meal expenses, a maximum amount of EUR 160 per day can be considered.
- A grantee can be afforded up to EUR 4000, with the above limits in mind.
- STSM activities must occur in their entirety within the dates specified in this call, i.e., from 01.02.2026 to 30.09.2026.
- Financial support is limited to cover travel and subsistence expenses and is paid as a grant. No receipts are needed.
- As justifications for the mission accomplishment serve the STSM scientific report with the approval letter from the STSM host, as well as non-technical feedback of the visit for dissemination via LinkedIn page of the Action. The grant money is transferred to a grantee only after these three proves are received by the RenewPV Management Committee.
- In case of changes to the STSM, an application for the change must be submitted immediately.
The granted amount for each individual STSM will be determined during the evaluation process by the RenewPV core group. For this year we have planned around 15.500 EUR for STSM grants and 12.500 EUR for the conference grants.
Within 14 days from the end date of the STSM, ITC, YRI, or DC, the grantee must submit:
- a scientific report via the e-COST platform;
- an official confirmation letter or email from the host institution or event organiser, issued by a senior researcher and confirming acceptance of the scientific report,
- a non-technical dissemination contribution for RenewPV social media (e.g. a short LinkedIn post, written or audio-visual). Failure to submit all required items within the deadline will result in cancellation of the grant. Grant payment will be initiated once the report is approved by the RenewPV Management Committee.
After completing the STSM, grantees will be asked to present the outcome of their STSM at the nearest RenewPV working group meeting or workshop.
Please note that COST may request additional information to verify the information contained within the documents submitted by Grant applicants.
Deadline for STSM applications: 30.06.2026
Period of STSM implementation: 01.02.2026 – 30.09.2026
